On The Ground - May/June 2022

Dr Jerry Visits US

Dr Jerry and Mama Angel spent the majority of the month of May in the United States. This was a wonderful time for Dr Jerry to reconnect with the MR Board, have face to face meetings with various stakeholders, and complete in-depth planning for MR’s next steps.

Club of Leaders (CoL)

CdS students, Ebimba, Noella, Beya Beya, and Ntumba Kanku, met with Hebrone students, teachers, and community members about the CoL and how it has changed their lives. The students discussed how the CoL impacted their abilities to speak in front of people, gave their families knowledge to start their own gardens, and taught them proper hygiene procedures. Beya Beya shared, “Previously I was a student like you, I didn't have the courage to stand in front of people to speak, but the program taught us certain concepts that we didn't even know in our families. For example before, we lacked the money because we didn't even know how to do gardening because we found it a little shameful. This program gave us a chance to put ourselves in front of people and talk easily. It gave us some good practices usable in our families like the organization of plot gardens. It helped us to become leaders even to teach others and everything I learned, I taught that in my family.”

CdS teacher, Mr Chancard, shared the impact of the MR’s program on his teaching. “Before this program, I was selfish, I had the monopoly of speaking during my teaching and expected nothing from the students. It was after the program that I became equipped and had a lively class. I have used teaching strategies to animate my class, I have become a friend of the students, loved by parents and colleagues. My students succeeded to the national test (Tenafep).

After much discussion, the various stakeholders at Hebrone have agreed, in partnership with Malembe Rise, to start a CoL. Even as the students move into the school holiday, they are excited to begin exploring this option for leadership and learning.

Teacher Professional Development

HPP-Congo teachers, led by Mrs. Bodil Sejeroe, and the Noyau, led by Dr Jerry, are planning a meeting to discuss primary school education in the DRC.