How to get involved?

How can you start the same non-profit in your communities?

• Find schools to work with. It is a good idea for them to be nearby. That way you won’t waste time commuting to meet the kids.

• When you are proposing your idea to the Headmaster, remember 4 things

  • Come with a detailed plan. It helps to print the lesson plan you want to use. This lesson plan should be structured such that there are 10

  • Set a fixed date and time for your afterschool classes so that they happen regularly.

  • Promise to update the Headmaster on your progress and share any milestones your children make. Engaging the Headmaster will guarantee their support for the duration of your project.

• Make sure to select a group of kids you want to work with. Ask the Headmaster if you can invite interested students to audition. It can be challenging to teach more than 30 kids in a class at once, so it's understandable if there is a limit on the number of students you can teach. Remember always to tell your students to pass on what they’ve learned to other classmates who do not attend your program. 

• If you are not used to teaching in your local language, familiarize yourself by learning the words we do not commonly use. Ask your parents or grandparents what 'climate change' and 'feminism' mean in your local language. 

• The first few classes you conduct will be difficult.

  • You will notice that time flies by quickly, thanks to how enjoyable your program will be. Make sure to be keep checking the clock!

  • A lot of time can be wasted when trying to get the class started. Arrive early to gather all of your students for the class. Keep in mind that these are middle school children, and they may need reminders about their class schedule.

• Use a notebook to record what students are saying and how they are responding to your questions. Monitor each student's progress, and take note of their goal of attending the program and their future aspirations.

• You will notice that there will be some absenteeism because a handful of these students do not come to school everyday. Figure out how to ensure they are not missing out on the learning.

• Make sure that your the maintain their own notebook where they write down what you are teaching. Use the chalkboard! It is important you know your students are following your lessons. The only way you will be able to do that is if you take a look at their notes.

• Be hands on. Don’t be afraid to sit down right next to a group of students and help them. It may be unconventional for school teachers to do this, but our intention is to act more as mentors than traditional teachers.

• Tell your students that there is a final project that they are working towards. Mahati, for example, is currently preparing to run an inter-school debating tournament.

• Don't forget to write reflections and take photos! Be detailed when assessing what went wrong in Week 1 and what you are going to do different in Week 2.