Support our After-School Programme

PROGRESS REPORT

We are delighted to share our progress achieved over the past three months. During this period,  a variety of activities were implemented to promote personal growth, skill development, and wellbeing. These initiatives fostered learning, strengthened emotional resilience, enhanced social and interpersonal skills, encouraged creativity, and supported practical problem-solving. At the same time, they contributed to a safer, more connected, and engaged community by promoting collaboration, shared responsibility, and positive social interactions.

1. INTRODUCTION  & CONTEXT

During October–December 2025, families in our programme communities faced economic pressures, increased childcare responsibilities, and challenges associated with school transitionsand holiday periods. These factors affected children’s learning routines, emotional wellbeing, and overall family dynamics.

The programme responded by providing structured after-school engagement, parental guidance, psychosocial support, and community-based child protection interventions. This context shaped both the implementation strategy and the observed outcomes, as higher participation and engagement reflected families’ reliance on supportive structures during this period.

2. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMME

Reach and Participation

• October: 42 children participated in the after-school programme.
• November: 48 children participated, reflecting increased engagement and trust in the programme.
• December: 56 children participated, demonstrating continued growth in participation and sustained community confidence in the programme

Academic Progress and Tuition Support
Structured tuition sessions continued to reinforce learning across key subjects. Participants received guided academic support tailored to their individual learning levels, with additional attention provided to those requiring extra assistance. The programme emphasized consistency, confidence-building, and maintaining effective learning routines. Interactive and practical approaches encouraged curiosity, engagement, and a love for learning, ensuring steady academic progress during the transition between school terms.

Literacy remained a priority through structured reading initiatives that cultivated a habit of reading and storytelling. Storybooks were issued and collected consistently, promoting responsibility and accountability among learners. Regular reading activities supported vocabulary development, critical thinking, creativity, and overall cognitive growth.

Extracurricular Activities
Children engaged in sports, creative arts, and practical projects, promoting teamwork, discipline, self-expression, and confidence. Friendly competitions and hands-on activities fostered collaboration, problem-solving, and positive peer interaction, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic learning environment

Empowering Through Support and Counseling

Psychosocial support continued throughout the quarter via individual and group counseling sessions, addressing emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, interpersonal relationships, and overall wellbeing. These sessions, inclusive of community members, strengthened resilience, improved decision-making skills, and reinforced support networks, contributing to a more engaged and empowered community.

Over the three months, children and parents participated in targeted counseling activities:

• Children: In October, two sessions per week reached 24 children, addressing 12 individual cases. In November, eight sessions were held covering 4 cases. In December, two sessions focused on supporting children during the holiday period, including preparation for the Christmas break.
  
  
• Parents/Guardians: In October, 4 cases were addressed through individual sessions. In November, 4 sessions supported 8 cases. In December, 1 session, conducted both physically and via phone calls, informed parents about the upcoming holiday break and provided guidance on supporting their children.

Impact: These counseling and psychosocial support activities helped children improve emotional regulation, strengthened parent-child relationships, and prepared families to navigate school transitions and the holiday period safely, contributing to overall wellbeing and community resilience.

Family Bonding and Child Participation
Children created Christmas cards with personalized messages for their parents and guardians, which were presented during a special mass event. This activity promoted emotional expression, gratitude, creativity, and positive family relationships.

Thanksgiving Prayer
A special mass held in December brought together children, parents and guardians, Community Child Protection Committee members, church members, and staff to give thanks and reflect on the year. The event fostered unity, strengthened community bonds, and reinforced shared responsibility for child wellbeing and protection.

End-of-Year Celebration
A year-end party celebrated children’s achievements, participation, and friendships. The event provided a joyful environment for social interaction and recognition, supporting emotional wellbeing and a strong sense of belonging.

3. FAMILY ASSESSMENTS AND TARGETED SUPPORT

Household assessments were conducted for families identified through the programme and the Community Child Protection Committee to identify vulnerabilities and inform targeted support, follow-up, and referrals. These assessments strengthened the programme’s ability to address holistic child and family needs beyond academic support.

4. COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION COMMITTEE & DRUG SENSITIZATION

The programme strengthened community-based child protection through active engagement of the Community Child Protection Committee (CCPC).

• One CCPC meeting was held in November, attended by 15 committee members, focusing on monitoring child welfare concerns and coordinating protective actions.

Planning for NACADA drug sensitization activities was initiated, with school-based awareness sessions scheduled to begin in January. These efforts reinforced community accountability, prevention mechanisms, and child protection structures.

5. PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT

Parental engagement remained a core component of the programme.

• 28 parents and guardians were trained in November, focusing on constructive communication, conflict management, and positive parenting practices.

Regular engagement sessions encouraged dialogue, feedback, and collaboration with parents, guardians, and community members. Participants shared suggestions for enhancing programme activities, including sports, creative projects, holiday sessions, and academic support. Individual counseling sessions further strengthened family guidance and support networks.

6. CROSSCUTTING LESSONS & OPPORTUNITIES

Key Insights

• Growing Participation: Attendance rose from 42 children in October, to 48 in November, and 56 in December, demonstrating strong community demand for structured, safe learning spaces.
• Parental Engagement: Training sessions strengthened cooperation at home and reinforced positive child behavior.
• Community Protection: Active CCPC engagement enhanced early identification and response to child protection risks.
• Community Trust and Inclusion: Faith-based and community events increased participation and strengthened social cohesion.
• Psychosocial Support: Counseling during school transitions and holidays was critical for emotional regulation and coping.

Emerging Outcomes

• Counseling: Improved emotional regulation → better peer relationships and school engagement
• Literacy Initiatives: Stronger comprehension and vocabulary → enhanced academic confidence
• Creative Arts & Sports: Teamwork and problem-solving → increased social confidence, resilience, and positive peer interaction

These insights demonstrate not only what the programme delivered, but how it strengthened children, families, and the wider community, creating a sustainable foundation for continued learning, wellbeing, and protection

7. CONCLUSION

This reporting period highlights the programme’s continued commitment to holistic child development through academic support, psychosocial care, family involvement, and community-based protection mechanisms. The increasing participation of children and parents reflects growing trust, relevance, and community ownership of the programme.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support in helping create a safer, more empowering environment where children can thrive, families are strengthened, and the community works together to ensure child wellbeing and protection.