Kenya - iU Academy Update
Paving the way for iU Academy
In October 2019, a team of iU volunteers traveled to meet our friend Nelly in Nairobi, Kenya. Their primary focus was to pave the way for iU Academy opening in January 2020.
To meet this goal, our team:
Met with the teachers to discuss vision and goals for the children of Soweto
Met with the parents to begin a relationship and encourage their involvement at iU Academy
Met the students planning to attend iU Academy so we could put names to sweet faces for ourselves and you
Sought to understand our student’s individual stories, interests, and the challenges they face
Researched education requirements for students and school in Kenya
Scouted locations for safe and nearby classrooms to serve our students
Most of their tasks were checked off easily.
The teachers Nelly has selected to hire are nothing short of incredible. They have both taught Connie, Nelly’s daughter. Teacher Carol and Teacher Violet [pictured below] have been working with Nelly at the Soweto Saturday program for a few years now. They both know the students, families, and community well.
Jimmy, Nelly, and Chelsea meeting with Teacher Carol and Teacher Violet (October 2019)
We believe in each child’s ability to succeed
We spent time getting to know the parents and communicating our hopes for the potential in each child. Research has shown that family engagement is one of the top factors influencing student success. Nothing matters more than how much they believe in their child’s ability to succeed.
The parents are so grateful for our presence in their lives and the lives of their children. Not only are we giving the students hope, but their parents are feeling and receiving that hope as well. They look forward to helping us give their children a path for their lives.
Jimmy meeting with some of the parents of the students (October 2019)
The students are so precious. It is impossible to not fall in love with them. We are looking forward to teaching them and watching them grow. As they grow, we are looking forward to sharing their progress with you.
There are multiple options for a center. We want to make sure that we pick the safest place for our students as well as our teachers and supplies. The team helped Nelly narrow down her list of potential places to rent or buy. Nelly is relentlessly working with the parents and local landlords to find the perfect location for our program.
Kenya’s educational requirements for their students are very similar to American standards. Students are educated towards achieving certain competencies and must pass a test to move to the next grade. While it is important to have basic educational standards, students are left with very little room to discover their passions and explore their unique interests.
Going to school costs money. Even the public schools charge tuition, not to mention school supplies. This is why 50% of students in Soweto drop out after the 8th grade and fewer still go on to high school and fewer even to college.
To combat this statistic, we are starting a Learning Center for the students of Soweto.
iU Academy: An after-school haven
iU Academy’s after school program will provide teachers to tutor and assist with homework students are assigned during traditional day school. We want to see our students succeed at everything they put their minds to, even if it's simply passing a test.
Students enrolled at iU Academy will receive daily support and encouragement from trusted teachers and staff. We will also provide them with another meal that they may not have access to at home. Our center will provide a safe place for students to go after school – this seemingly small detail provides peace of mind for parents if they are still working or have to be away from home. They will know that their students are gaining life enhancing skills instead of being home with nothing to occupy their time.
Local and international teachers (more on this below!) will help the students develop their passions, whatever that may be.
Jimmy speaking with the children in Nelly’s Saturday Program (October 2019)
Our goal is to give them a path, purpose, and life filled with hope.
If they see that there is more out there for them, they can accomplish so much. iU Academy will give the students a chance to see a new perspective on life.
iU Academy will also give students an opportunity for a fresh perspective in an area stricken with poverty. We’ll encourage them in their unique interests and provide a safe space to explore new ideas. We hope to bring international teachers to iU Academy in Soweto in the coming years to inspire our students further.
If you are interested in teaching at the iU Academy Learning Center, send us an email about what you would teach and why you feel called to visit our school in Soweto.
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