Educate 50 vulnerable children in Sierra Leone

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, school is Sierra Leone closed on 31^st March. Before returning to their communities, children were equipped with learning materials and strategies and support for staying safe. Students with nowhere else to go stayed at Maronka learning by radio lessons. The children who stayed at Maronka helped EducAid to record radio and distance learning content for national distribution, asking questions and participating to give lessons an interactive and authentic feel.

The Year 6 students, the Eagles, returned to Maronka on 1^st July to begin preparations for their National Primary School Exams (NPSE). On 31^st July, all of the Eagles sat their first national exam. We interviewed their proud teacher, JP.

JP says, "I am delighted to answer those questions as I was directly in charge of them. In the aspect of the preparation, before the pandemic outbreak, they were excessively doing unit work, taking NPSE exams style twice per month. It pains me so much that I did not work with them during the outbreak of the pandemic as many went home and all schools were closed."

How did the Eagles prepare for their exams?

They were working on the units in line with the syllabus, also taking NPSE practice exams twice a month which was very helpful. On their return from home, they were engaged in NPSE past questions practices because they were having a month to their exams. 

I also taught them the dos and don'ts during the period of the exams.

 Were the students nervous on the day of the exam?

I am proud to inform you that my pupils were calm and were so happy to write to their exams. The issue of panic was not in their system, because they have done a series of exams practices before writing to the NPSE. 

What advice did you give the students?

1. One of the advice I gave them was no one should walk up to them asking for money in exchange for assistance during the exams, and to report anything like that to me and I will pursue the matter.

2. Another was to consider exam timing and make sure they don't spend too long in answering a question.

3. They were also advised of not leaving a required question unshaded.

4. Also, they were told not to communicate with each other during the exams, as they will be asked out of the examination hall. 

Do you think they did well?

From their facial expression after the exams, it gives me glad tidings and hopes for the future (when their result comes out). They were all happy and saying all that I taught them and what they've worked on was seen during the exams. 

Are you proud of them?

Oh Yes!!!!! I am very proud of them. The reason is that I know they will not let me down and they all were very happy during their exams and after taking their exams.

Update: We are thrilled to say that 99% of the Eagles passed their NPSE examination

Thank you for supporting our project. It means so much to all of us here at EducAid, but more importantly, it means the world to the 50 children who will continue their education at EducAid's Maronka Primary School. This would not be possible without you!

As I write this report, it is relatively quiet within our Maronka Primary School with many children still away for the summer holidays. The staff are working tirelessly behind the scenes these weeks preparing the children’s return. Teachers are enjoying a week of intensive training.

New learning materials have been created for all academic subjects to make sure the content is current and responsive to student needs. New equality materials have also been created with presentations and key speakers lined up for the year ahead. 

We are excited to be formally introducing sports into the Maronka curriculum this year, as this has proven effects on children’s academic performance as well as their physical and emotional wellbeing. We believe this is an important addition to the children’s lives and are keen to watch this develop in the year ahead.

We have also held meetings with the local community to discuss plans for the year ahead to ensure not only transparency, but also commitment from all stakeholders in the children’s education. We believe this shared ownership is essential for the success of the children and school. The Maronka school has strong ties with the community.

School opens on Monday, 9^th September. We are looking forward to welcoming back those students who have been away for the summer and to continue caring for those children that call Maronka Primary School their home. EducAid’s staff, students and community are excited for the year ahead with plans to accomplish great things. We are excited for the next update which will contain information on how the students have settled back into school and what they’ve been up to over the first term. We look forward to highlighting their adventures and achievements.

Once again, our thanks to you as you made this possible for these children!