Feed Minds & Bellies: Hope for Rural Kids

You Made This Possible! The Adaklu Dawanu Basic School Enrichment Program is Thriving!

Thanks to your generosity and support, the Adaklu Dawanu Basic School Enrichment Program is off to an incredible start! Your contributions are already making a tangible difference in the lives of students, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

We’re excited to share a firsthand report from Friends of Adaklu volunteer, Adelaide Edem Tornu, who has been on the ground witnessing the impact of this program. Here’s what she has to say:

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM REPORT 

OVERVIEW

 The after-school program for Adaklu- Dawanu Basic School runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, aiming to provide a supportive and engaging learning environment for students. It focuses on both academic reinforcement and recreational activities, serving a total of 62 students from Kindergarten 1 to Grade 6, with additional interest from 10 students in Grades 7 to 9 due to its interactive approach and incentives.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Tuesday and Wednesday:

One-hour sessions on Tuesdays and Wednesdays emphasizes on academic growth through literacy and numeracy activities. Tools such as flashcards, songs, and interactive book-learning are employed. Students also receive clarification on topics they struggle with during regular school hours, particularly in subjects like science.

• Sunday:

Sundays offer a 2 to 3-hour games period, focusing on physical activities and social skills. These sessions provide a balance of recreation and engagement. The students are engaged in games such as football, skipping rope, clay molding, cards and board games.

 IMPACT

• The program has significantly improved students' literacy skills, enabling them to speak more English and form simple sentences. Additionally, the numeracy activities have sharpened their thinking abilities, analytical skills, and enhanced their speed. Students have also shown improved recollection of new vocabulary learned.
• Students are highly motivated by the enjoyable learning methods and the provision of snacks, including pastries (chips) and hibiscus drink. The program fosters improved academic understanding and provides a positive alternative to traditional school studies.

CHALLENGES

• Language Barrier: Some students face difficulty writing English, which hampers their ability to fully engage with the lessons and express themselves through writing.
•  Behavioral Issues: Students occasionally struggle with discipline and fail to apply the lessons learned to their interactions among themselves and daily lives.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To address these challenges, the program should introduce more volunteers to handle each grade, allowing them to have time for the students and more sports equipment to improve their behaviors through teamwork and collaboration

CONCLUSION

The after-school program remains a valuable initiative, combining education and recreation to support students' academic and personal growth. Overcoming the identified challenges will further strengthen its impact and reach.                                                                                         

Links:

• FOA Facebook
• FOA 2024 Annual Report
• FOA Photo Album - Adaklu Dawanu School