On The Ground - Nov/Dec 2022

Club of Leaders (CoL)

As 2022 wound down, the CoL was in full swing. Attendance in the weekly meetings continues to average around 100 students per meeting. The student committees have begun to meet and engage in housekeeping tasks that allow the CoL to run more smoothly. The committees are now responsible for the care of the baobab tree, preparing the area for the CoL, and mentoring the younger CoL students. As the committees increased their responsibility, they realized the need for tools. After brainstorming with Dr Jerry, the students have begun to bring tools from home in order to complete their various tasks.

The students were encouraged to submit a logo and song that encapsulated the CoL and all it stands for in their lives. Submissions were voted on by a team of adults including the school administrator and various teachers. The winning CoL logo will be painted on the wall at Hebrone school.

The students have become empowered to notice and utilize the assets around them. A perfect opportunity to practice these skills of observation and problem solving presented itself when the baobab tree was in need of a fence for protection. Without being able to buy bamboo the students were worried how to provide this protection; however, after looking around their neighborhood, they realized that there is an abundance of wood available that could be used for a fence.

The adults involved in the CoL have embraced the importance of relationship building outside of the club. The adults now go early to interact with the students. One of the favorite relationship building activities of the adults and students alike is soccer. As 2023 begins, the CoL will start the process of observation, creation of a driving question, research, and community service. Throughout this process, the students will grow in their ability to creatively problem solve, work collaboratively, and engage their community.