Case Details
Partner Name:
Stepping Stone, Nigeria
Date:
2010, 2012
Category:
Human Capital Development
Location:
Nigeria, UK
Human Capital Development
Problem
Stepping Stone, Nigeria is a grassroots charity committed to advocating for the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the Niger Delta region. The charity’s mission is to empower these children through education, with a particular emphasis on improving their reading and writing skills. However, the organisation faced challenges in effectively implementing literacy programmess due to a lack of trained personnel and standardised teaching methodologies.
Approach
To address this challenge, a comprehensive Jolly Phonics training programme was meticulously organised, leveraging the expertise of professional trainers, which was where we came in. The programme was designed to equip local educators with the necessary skills to teach reading and writing effectively, thereby ensuring long-term educational empowerment for the children.
Key Features of the Program
- Initial Consultations and Train-the-Trainer Meetings: Extensive discussions were held with key stakeholders to define project expectations and objectives. Train-the-trainer sessions were conducted to ensure alignment and readiness among the trainers.
- Formal Agreement and Terms Presentation: A detailed presentation of the project’s scope, terms, and deliverables was provided to all parties involved, ensuring a clear understanding and commitment.
- Strategic Trainer Assignment: Trainers were strategically assigned to different locations within the state, including remote and underserved areas, to maximise the programme’s reach and impact.
- Comprehensive Training Delivery: The training sessions, which spanned several weeks and, in some cases, months, were delivered with a focus on practical application and hands-on learning. These sessions were designed to build capacity and ensure that participants could effectively implement the Jolly Phonics methodology.
- Impact Evaluation: Regular evaluation sessions were conducted to measure the effectiveness of the training. Feedback was gathered from participants to assess their understanding and readiness to apply the new skills.
- Next Steps and Follow-Up: Actionable steps were outlined to ensure the sustainability of the programme. Continuous support and follow-up were planned to address any emerging challenges and reinforce the training.
- Trainer Compensation and Communication: Timely payments were made to trainers, and open communication channels were maintained to ensure smooth operations and address any updates or issues promptly.
Result
The programme was a resounding success, as evidenced by the positive feedback from both the participants and the local governments in the regions where the training was conducted. The governments of Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, in particular, reported significant improvements in literacy rates and requested further collaboration, leading to additional training engagements. This success not only enhanced the educational prospects of the children in these regions but also established Stepping Stone, Nigeria, as a leading advocate for educational development in the Niger Delta.
Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create." — Jana Kingsford