USA Early Childhood Degree in Practice
My visit to The LemonAid Village today in Sierra Leone yielded some wonderful surprises and delights. I visited the three floors of the Romano Early Childhood Centre and could immediately see Christie Browne’s hand in the organization, arrangement and activities. LemonAid Fund helped Christie through her 4 year Degree in Early Childhood Education at North Park University in Chicago. She has been home in Sierra Leone for the past year and is making a positive difference in the lives of hundreds of children.
I saw the year 1 nursery boys, who needed more help with their writing, using chalk to draw their names on the floor. They were very proud of their accomplishments. The girls were practicing lacing shoes as they were more skilled in writing their name. Seems gender differences are seen around the world.
Then I had the privilege to witness the seniors of Dele Peddle International High School and Browndel High School taking their WASCE (college exams like SAT’s in the USA). My friend Sue monitors these tests in the USA so I hear about procedures and how strict they are a lot especially at this time of year. I can say that all protocols and procedures were observed plus some at the LemonAid Village. They had brought in representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Welfare and WASCE officials to oversee the tests. Outside sat a police officer. Last year we had some of the top scores in the country. I’m definitely proud and impressed and expect another good year of results especially as I have seen the amount of time these students have put in studying with the help of their teachers.
Lastly, as I was leaving I witnessed an innovative procedure that was safely and health oriented as parents or designated persons came to pick up their child(ren). The adult had to 1. Wash their hands as they entered the school ground. 2. Have an ID in hand for each child that they were picking up. 3. Show the teacher the ID card 4. Child was then released only upon viewing the card. The security guard is at the entrance ensuring the adult has a card to enter the compound and understands they must first was their hands. There was no deviance from the procedure no matter what from my observation.
I saw one person plead with the teacher who had forgot his ID to no avail. They were sent away to find the ID card. I was impressed because it is May and they have been implementing the procedure for most of the school year, yet they held firm. What a wonderful feeling knowing that the 700 children who attend The LemonAid Village are safe everyday and the education system is of such quality. Peace, Nancy
