By: Nyima Sillah
Teachers in the North Bank Region (NBR) have shared their views on the significance of the ChildFund Aflatoun project, which aims to support children’s academic performance and teach essential social skills.
Alagie Cham, a teacher at Kuntaya Lower Basic School and Coordinator of the Aflatoun Club, described the project as a vital initiative that has positively influenced students’ academic success, social interactions, and entrepreneurial skills. While the project faced initial challenges, Cham reported numerous success stories regarding its impact on students. He noted that, with the support of Aflatoun, students have learned how to organize, seek funding, and build personal connections for social benefits.
Cham also highlighted the project’s timeliness, as it trained children to organize themselves and plan for a brighter future, benefiting both them and their families. The Aflatoun Club, he added, allows students to support each other by providing basic learning materials, such as pencils and books, through weekly contributions.
Madeline Jammeh, another teacher, said the project has transformed their teaching methods, helping students interact more in class and learn independently. “It also helps children understand their rights and responsibilities,” she explained.
Oley, a student from Kuntaya, shared that Aflatoun has taught them about their rights, social behavior, and agriculture, which have been beneficial.
In a related initiative, ChildFund has supported Ndemban Lower Basic School by providing library materials to promote reading and enhance academic performance. Headmistress Haddy Senghore emphasized the importance of the newly furnished library, which now hosts a wide variety of books for students from grades one to six. She noted a significant improvement in students’ academic performance as they now regularly visit the library. “Before, reading was a challenge, but now students are more independent readers, showing visible improvements in class,” she said.
Senghore requested further assistance for the library, including electrification, better ventilation, and help with a leaking classroom roof. Despite these needs, she expressed her gratitude to ChildFund for transforming the library and significantly boosting students’ reading skills.
Binta, a student at Ndemban, also expressed how the library has positively impacted her academic performance. She added that the upgrade was unexpected, but thanks to ChildFund, the library has become a valuable resource for all students.
