communication skills

School Mentorship a Major Boost to Social and Academic Performances for Pupils

One-on-one mentorship sessions held by Crime Si Poa psychologists in various schools have led to positive impacts on learners academic and social development. Through sessions held every week, in both secondary and primary schools in Kajiado, Kisumu, Nairobi and Nakuru Counties have help solve a number of challenges faced by pupils in schools.

According to Raphael a teacher at St. Gabriel Nahyeon Community Centre, guidance and counselling offered to student has help build a connection and trust among students and teachers in their school.

“Mentorship is the best modality when dealing with learners who have been affected psychologically, rather than canning them. These learners need someone from outside to talk to them and share their experiences,” he said.

Samuel Onyango a teacher at Friends Secondary School, in Dandora Slum, applauded, mentorship sessions saying they offered a structured, consistent time and space for teachers to better know their student away from a classroom setting.

“Weekly interaction helps learners develop a universal set of skills, goals, adaptability, and reflection that are necessary for success in school, career, and life. Through counselling and guidance, we have helped students especially those exposed to, substance and drug abuse, early sexual activities and crime overcome such vices,’’ said Onyango.

In addition to the personal connections made during one-on-one meetings, mentors have had access to content assessment data for each of their mentees. This has helped them collaborate with teachers to set learning goals across subjects for students as well as encourage the enhancements of students’ talents through co-curricular activities.

“These students have immense talents. The sessions you have been holding during this talent shows, are especially important. Students have been able to showcase their God-given talents something that is commendable,’’ added teacher Onyango.

The teachers acknowledged the impact of the mentoring sessions especially in curbing teenage pregnancy in schools based in informal settlement.

“Issues of teenage pregnancy among children in this school had become rampant. Since Crime Si Poa began counselling sessions here there has been a significant impact. We now have fewer case of teenage relationships. Students now focus on their academics,” Teacher Onyango concluded.

Information on what is happening with learners at a social and emotional level gathered from mentorship sessions has boosted performance in the classroom. The sessions have also helped mentors and teachers make informed decisions on the best interventions for students who may be struggling mentally and, or emotionally.

schools

Mentorship moves to the ground after closure of schools


Over 4,000 school-going children in Nakuru, Kisumu, Kajiado, and Nairobi Counties have immensely benefited from mentorship and skills-building programs organized by Crime Si Poa (CSP) team in partnership with Global Fund For Children. The just concluded academic term saw the team create awareness on child protection and empowering them with life skills through interacting with various mentors.

The dedicated team comprising of young community-based counselors trained by professional psychologists mentored children on areas of drug and substance abuse, reproductive health, sex education, assertiveness, behavioral change, and HIV/AIDS.

According to Eric Waweru (famously known as Croach), CSP Community Outreach Officer, the program drew students and pupils from 19 selected primary and secondary schools from across the 4 counties. The students were also trained on soap-making skills in a fun and interactive session that equipped them with entrepreneurship skills.


“This week, we held our last school mentorship sessions of a very productive term, actively imparting the young adults with the knowledge and skills they need to exercise good judgment.  Time really does fly when you’re doing something you love,” said Croach adding “ being a long holiday break we intend to move the program to the community to ensure children are protected and not in conflict with the law.”

Croach further emphasized on the dire need to impart young people with the right information to enable them to make the right decisions. The program is run with the support of the Global Fund for Children, working together in the best interest of children.

“It’s important for children to grow up with the confidence to boldly express their thoughts and beliefs and to have a strong sense of their worth. Assertiveness prepares them to stand up for their rights and fight against various forms of oppression. We thank GFC for the great support,” added Croach.

With the closure of the academic term, the Crime Si Poa team is currently working on how to effectively engage the students while they are on a holiday break.