The Petronille Healthy Society (PHS) launched a project to tackle the issue of children dropping out of school in Pointe-Noire, Congo Brazzaville. With a focus on addressing the root causes of the problem, the project aimed to provide support to local communities, families, and schools to help children stay in school and receive an education. To achieve this goal, PHS implemented a multifaceted approach that included providing financial support to families in need, working with schools and teachers to improve the quality of education, and engaging with local communities and authorities to raise awareness about the importance of education and to address cultural practices that may prevent children from attending school.
As a result of the project, the dropout rate among children in Pointe-Noire has significantly decreased. Families were able to access the financial support they needed, and schools received the training and resources necessary to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that engaged students and improved learning outcomes.
What Did the Process Look Like in Practice?
The project involved a series of activities that were conducted over a period of several years. PHS worked closely with local communities, families, and schools to understand the root causes of the problem and to develop tailored solutions that addressed the specific needs of each group.
One of the key components of the project was providing financial support to families in need. PHS provided scholarships to vulnerable children to cover the cost of school fees, uniforms, and supplies. Additionally, PHS provided families with resources to help them support their children's education, such as counseling and guidance on income-generating activities.
Another critical component of the project was working with schools and teachers to improve the quality of education. PHS provided training and support to teachers to help them create a safe and inclusive learning environment that engaged students and improved learning outcomes. PHS also provided schools with resources such as textbooks, teaching materials, and classroom equipment.
PHS also engaged with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of education and to address cultural practices that may prevent children, particularly girls, from attending school. PHS worked with local authorities to promote policies and practices that support children's education.
What Did We Learn?
Through this project, PHS learned that addressing the root causes of a problem requires a multifaceted approach that involves working closely with local communities, families, and schools. Providing financial support to families in need and improving the quality of education through teacher training and resources can significantly reduce the dropout rate among children.
Engaging with local communities and authorities to raise awareness about the importance of education and to address cultural practices that may prevent children, particularly girls, from attending school is also critical. By working together, we can create a more supportive environment for education and help children stay in school and build a better future.
Overall, this project has demonstrated the importance of investing in education and the significant impact that can be achieved by providing support to families, schools, and communities.
