Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Kate and Neesha and the 'Rights R Us' Club

Enjoying the rain - Yes, it's rainy season

What? Chocolate? ooooh!

Who needs a washing machine anyway?

D*** mosquitoes!
Kate and Neesha, fresh out of teacher training college in Lincoln, arrived in Sierra Leone three weeks ago and have been having fun, despite some of the culture shocks they also experienced!
They have done some great work especially with the early years classes, working with Cobra and his team.
From our point of view, it is always good to have our work validated by people who know what they are talking about.  This is what they have to say about the 'Rights R Us' club.


Reflecting on our time in Maronka, EducAid, we have found the schools’ strengths lie in their ethos for teaching children about their rights and responsibilities.  This stems from cobra and his team’s passion for supporting children to think independently and recognise the role they have in their futures and that of Sierra Leone. 
This is developed in a number of ways, ranging from discussions in assemblies, work in class, extra curricular activities such as drama and Cobra’s group Rights R Us.  This group in particular stands out as they produce plays with poignant messages that highlight significant topics in their community and raise adult issues like child trafficking, slavery and FGM.  Watching the children’s performances demonstrated to us, how mature the children’s understanding is on such sensitive topics. 
Relating the productions to educational practice in the UK and other areas the subjects discussed may seem emotionally challenging for such a young age group however, the issues raised are an important part of Sierra Leone’s life, therefore drama provides an effective means for discussion provoking thoughts leading to awareness of their own rights and responsibilities.
Subsequently, the drama is effective, inspirational practice which we intend to continue in our own classrooms so that our children in the UK can develop and understand their roles in the classroom and the wider world to the same level.
Keep up the great work.
All the best Kate and Neesha

If you are interested in knowing more about EducAid's work with vulnerable young Sierra Leoneans, please go to www.educaid.org.uk and www.sierraleonegirls.blogspot.com

1 comment:

  1. The work that Educaid is doing is of such great value. Teaching our children to recognise their right to express their voice against conditioning that no longer serves a purpose to humanity is fundamental to bringing about positive change. A voice is powerful, no matter how small when it is used to promote good. Thank you for this inspirational blog.

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