Nyssa Early Learning and Special Education

Dear donors, 

This month, we have been able to strengthen existing programs and expand access to mental health services for children and families within our community. We want to share with you the story of one of the most recent members of Nyssa.

In January, we began working with a young autistic child who also has ADHD under our Making Learning Possible program. For privacy, we’ll call him James. Before coming to us, James found it extremely difficult to stay still, focus on one activity, or regulate his emotions. His mother told us that at home and in school, he rarely stayed in one place for more than a minute.

He was brought to us through a referral from DIBA Holistic Wellness Care Organization, another NGO in Buea, which contacted us directly after meeting the family and learning about James’ challenges with attention, emotional regulation, and learning.

One Moment That Changed Everything

During one of James’ early sessions, we used structured play, visual cues, and calming routines designed for autistic children with attention difficulties. We worked gently, without pressure and no forced sitting. 

One day, after a day full of activity in the center, something new happened. James sat in the same position, fully engaged, for over three minutes. When his mother arrived to pick him up she noticed, and she was shocked. She later wrote to us:

“I have never seen him sit like that before. Even one minute is hard. Seeing him calm and focused made me believe that maybe he can learn.”

That one minute of sitting and his mother’s reaction is why we do what we do.

Learning is hard when a child feels unsafe, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed.

Overview:

Our Making Learning Possible program helps children:

• Feel emotionally safe
• Understand and express their feelings
• Build confidence to engage with learning again

We combine emotional support with simple learning activities, so children don’t feel pressure and are continously encouraged.

What your support helped us do

• Direct sessions with children, focused on emotional regulation, confidence, and coping skills
• Caregiver guidance, helping parents understand how to support their child emotionally at home
• Staff learning, where our team practiced child-friendly counseling techniques to better respond to children like James
• Basic learning materials, used during sessions and shared with families

Who you reached in January 

Because of you, we were able to support: 

• 7 children directly through counseling and learning support
• 2 additional children through referrals and shared materials
• 6 caregivers who received emotional guidance and practical support
• 3 NGO staff, teachers, and community workers engaged in discussions about child mental health

Total individuals reached: 18

Thank You

Because of you, one child sat calmly for three minutes

Because of you, one mother found hope

Because of you, learning became possible