As part of our efforts to equip teachers, we teach them how to use recycled materials to create educational resources and games for their students. This month, we got the kids involved in the fun!
Brotherly Love
It's easy to tell these two are brothers because they look so much alike. Anthony is the eldest and is a very strong reader. By 5th grade, he was already reading our highest level books, which is rare within community schools. But just a year ago, his younger brother, Emmanuel, could hardly read at all. Their mom noticed that Emmanuel was struggling and she asked Anthony to help teach his younger brother.
Training Time
When the schools close for term breaks, we get the chance to bring our teachers and school directors together for training events. This month, we facilitated a training for our school directors on how to get parents more involved in their child's learning and the activities of their schools. Research shows us that parental involvement is a key marker to student success.
The highlight of the training was seeing our school directors create skits where they pretended to be the students, parents, and teachers.
From trauma to triumph
Josephine, a compassionate 14 year old student at Joy Grace Community School, remembers what life was like for her before she learned how to read just a few years ago. She attended another school in Ng’ombe where she was never taught how to read, but was often punished for not knowing how. She says her teachers were so mean to her, and twice she was held back a grade. That experience was so traumatic that she lost the desire to learn anything.
When her mother found out about Josephine’s struggles and the school’s poor treatment of her, she transferred her to Joy Grace Community School. When she started 5th grade here, Josephine wouldn’t talk to her classmates for fear that they would laugh at her for not knowing how to read.
When Joshua grows up
When you sit down with Joshua, one of the first things you’ll learn is how much he loves to sing and write music. He will gladly rap for you an original song, and trust us, the boy has talent! When he grows up, he wants to be a gospel singer.
Joshua joined Fountain of Life Community School two years ago as a 4th grader. When he joined, he didn’t know how to read. Unfortunately, this is the reality for most children in Ng’ombe. They may be going to school every day, but never learn how to read while there.
Reflections from a Volunteer
Over the past month, Cynthia, a student from the University of Zambia who is currently studying literacy and languages, has been interning with us. She has helped us create educational resources for our teachers, developed new literacy resources for higher level readers, and conducted many of our annual reading assessments. When reflecting back on her time with us, this is what Cynthia had to say.
“Impact One Initiative is indeed transforming lives through the power of education. As I have come to witness, this is definitely coming to fruition; one school, one teacher and one child at a time.
Our Schools Say Thanks!
What a year this has been! There aren't quite words to describe what we've all been through, and how this pandemic has affected our lives. But there are words to say just how grateful we are that you've continued to walk with us and our partner schools through this crazy year.
Take a look at this short video below as our schools say thank you for all that you've made possible this year!
Bringing Learning to the Kids at Home
Responding to Covid
All around the world, our lives have been upended by the coronavirus. It’s been stressful, scary, exhausting, and confusing. (Just to name a few of the emotions I have felt in the last few months). But with schools in Zambia reopening to their 7th grade classes last week, we are back to work giving children life-changing educational opportunities.
Last week, while distributing reading books and cleaning supplies to all of our partner schools, we began to survey the challenges they are facing with reopening during the pandemic. This week we are following up with support.
Getting Teacher Resources into Eager Hands
With a class of 50 preschool students, Teacher Rhoida has her hands full! A typical day of learning in this class involves singing songs, reciting chants, and copying shapes and letters from the chalkboard. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources and the experience in how to use them, there is very little hands-on, interactive learning.
So last month, we packed up a box of teaching resources from our Center and visited Rhoida’s classroom to try them out.