Intercommunity
After School Program
Overview
In Sierra Leone, there is a growing concern of high level of student repetition rates, drop-out rates, and poor academic performance of primary and secondary students, particularly amongst girls and students from low-income households. Despite the free education system, some parents find it difficult to buy school materials and pay for some exams fees and private classes or lessons due to economic hardship. In addition, some children are left unsupervised after regular school day ends while their parents/guardians are at work or businesses to make ends meet. Many disadvantaged students from vulnerable and poor households and communities lack access to educational support and experiences that improve their learning and skills development.
The After School Program provides a safe and supportive place, where students can engage in educational, social, recreational, and other age-appropriate activities. It offers structured and unstructured activities including homework help, academic support, reading club, enrichment activity, French club, mentoring club, recreation & physical activities, life & social skills development, workshops, camping, and special events.
To apply for After School Program, please click Apply Now:
Contact us to apply or for more information:
- Freetown: 074 713 939
- Bo: 076 810 869
- Kono: 075 606 802
Operations
The After School Program runs throughout the year. The program does not run on public holidays, Intercommunity designated days, and early dismissal days. The Program operates Monday through Friday before and after school hours and some Saturdays based on location and the needs of student populations. The After School program is operated primarily in schools and non- school sites such as community centres.
Eligibility
The After School Program is provided for students in primary and secondary schools.
Program Fees
Intercommunity After School Program is free of charge for students.
Program Activities
The After School Program provides a safe and supportive place for students to experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and engage in educational, social, recreational, and other age-appropriate activities that integrate some regular school activities. The program offers structured and unstructured activities including homework help, academic support, reading club, enrichment activity, French club, mentoring club, recreation & physical activities, life & social skills development, workshops, camping, and special events.
Homework & Tutorial
The After School Program recognizes the importance of promoting academic excellence and self-discipline as well as making connections to the regular school curriculum. We provide academic support services including homework help, individual or small group tutoring, and other academic skills tr. The students complete their homework and projects in a timely manner with the assistance of tutors. Students who do not have homework may also use homework time to read a book or engage in academic activities.
Reading Club
The reading club is part of the Afterschool Program, which runs in a primary school. The aim of the reading club is to help foster a reading culture and improve reading and literacy skills of primary school children from low-income and disadvantaged communities and those with special educational needs. The reading club provides children`s access to books, other reading materials and an environment that encourage reading so that the children can develop positive attitude towards reading.
Enrichment Activities
These activities help to improve academic success and development of students in areas such as problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, crafts, music, career awareness, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics). Enrichment activities also encourage exploration and learning in creative ways to develop the skills and interests of students in science, technology, engineering, arts and math. We offer free interactive online practices and tutorials. Student will have access to tablets and computers, which enable them to access online materials. The activities also include a blend of learning activities such as puzzles, video tutorials, educational games, and fun and enjoyable learning experience for children. Parents and students’ annual After School program survey results are often used to identify new enrichment activities that could be added at each site.
Basic Computer Skills Training
In this computer training, students are taught how to use a computer and navigate the internet to aid learning. Students may use computers for homework, projects, STEAM, games and explore online resources.
Mentoring Club
The Mentoring Club offers support and encourage kids and youth, especially those that are most vulnerable in the communities to develop their skills, improve their performance in school, build self-confidence and self-esteem, explore their interests and career planning. It connects kids and youth (mentees) with caring volunteer mentors who provide advice, guidance, and support them in achieving their goals.
Leadership Development
The After School Program offers interactive leadership skills training to help students develop a range of leadership competencies and potential. It equips and encourages students to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities.
The program also supports students with a variety of opportunities including civic engagement, coaching, mentoring, and networking.
Workshops & Special classes
The program provides students with an opportunity to participate in workshops on a wide range topics such as: health and wellness, anti-bullying, violence prevention, post-secondary education options, career awareness, cooking classes, and more. The workshops will help students make informed choices about their futures and encourage socially responsible behaviors.
Life and Social Skills Development
The After School Program enables students to learn valuable life and social skills, including problem-solving, decision-making, relationship building, respect, inclusion, teamwork, and social responsibility. Students will have the opportunity to practice these skills through activities such as cooking class, communication, conflict resolution, community building activities, leadership, and managing anger and aggression.
Recreational and Physical Activities
The After School Program offers recreational and physical activities that provide students with an opportunity to learn and grow through safe play and fun activities. We offer a variety of structured and unstructured activities including games, sports, arts, drama, music, dance, fitness, and physical exercise. The program also provides active learning classes designed to educate students the importance of physical activity and healthy living practices.