The KIM's Learning Sessions (KLS) have inspired pupils of Loho Tendamba Primary School to learn and imbibe the spirit of academic excellence in their educational lives.
KLS, an initiative by 11-year-old Kieran Iqbal Mwinekumo, seeks to promote reading, writing, and basic Information Technology (IT) skills among early-grade learners in rural communities in the Upper West Region.
The outreach, held on March 16, 2024, at Loho Tendamba Primary School in the Nadowli-Kaleo District of the Upper West Region, marked the first of the year.
Addressing the children before the commencement of the learning activities, Kiran Iqbal Mwinekumo, the Founder of the KLS initiative, said the session was to help the children to master the skill of writing legibly and also the art of creative writing.
He implored the children to take the session seriously saying "If you can do what we are going to teach you and do it well, we have a file containing books, pencils, erasers, and sharpeners for you."
The children, comprising grade one to three learners, were put in mixed-ability groups and provided with age-appropriate tasks for them to perform.
A group of volunteers, including professional teachers and experienced individuals in teaching, learning, and motivating children, guided the children. The first and second-grade children participated in penmanship activities, while the third-grade children participated in both penmanship and composition writing activities.
As the session progressed, Kieran said he was impressed with the abilities and interest of the children in the activities.
"They are doing well. Most of them are able to carry out the task without major assistance. And as I said in the beginning, those who will do well, the best amongst them, will be awarded."
He called on the public to support the initiative to reach out to more underprivileged children in rural communities within the Upper West Region.
Maria Johana Yuorpor, the Founding Patron of KLS and mother of Kieran, encouraged the children to keep practising what they learn at school and at home to ensure that they never forget and become better.
She urged the children to stay motivated in their learning, irrespective of whether or not they receive awards based on their daily tasks.
"If you do not receive an award, it does not mean you did not perform well or you are not good. Keep learning hard so that next time when we come, or even with any other activities in your school, you should get an award," she urged.
Shakirat Ali Pelpuo, a volunteer facilitator, called on parents to take an active interest in the learning and educational objectives of their children.
"Parents should ensure their children learn, do their homework and other assignments," she said, adding that the educational status of parents should not be a hindrance to helping children attain quality education.
Out of 48 children who participated in the session, a quarter of them drawn across all grades were awarded parcels for having satisfactorily completed their tasks and all others were given pencils.
Fifty story books were donated to the school as part of the KLS mini library project in the schools and communities.
The head teacher of the school, Mr Albert Vulsuuri expressed gratitude to the KLS team and promised the books would be taken good care of and put to the intended use for the benefit of the children.
The other volunteer team members who facilitated the sessions included Winifred Zoyaar, Hedahiatu Yahaya, Ismail K Shazia, Bernard B Benon, Abdul-Rauf Issahaque, and Aminu Ibrahim.