Image showing the signboard for the State Primary School, Rumueme, Port Harcourt
On the morning of Saturday, November 29th 2024, an excited entourage converged at the State Primary School, Rumueme, Port Harcourt for the first Phase of the Lighthouse Project. This entourage comprised Ms. Osebhahiemen “Ose” Aisiku, the founder of Theresa’s Lighthouse; Mr. Favour Osemwegie, the State Lead of Youlead Project, Port Harcourt branch; Mrs. Gladys Neob-Osaretin, a lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University and a YouLeader; Ms. Chidera Nwaogwu, and Ms. Success Nathan, volunteers of The Lighthouse Project.
Participants of The LightHouse Project. L-R: Mr. Favour Osemwegie, Ms. Success Nathan, Ms. Chidera Nwangwu, Mrs. Gladys Neob-Oteyi, and Ms. Osebhahiemen Aisiku
We arrived at the school at about 9:30am and were warmly received by the head teacher of the school, Mrs. Pepple, and the class teachers of the primary 5 and 6 classes. This hearty welcome set the tone for the day even as we proceeded to set up and prepare to receive the students.
A table with the educational materials and tracts distributed during the event
After the fifty students had settled in, the head teacher, Mrs. Pepple, on behalf of her staff, proceeded to officially welcome us to the school. In response, Ms. Ose led the introductions for the visiting party and explained the origin of Theresa’s Lighthouse. She told the students the purpose of the visit which was to enlighten them and their teachers on what learning disabilities were, the common types and how everyone in a learning environment can help manage these conditions.
Some students and staff of the State Primary School, Rumueme, Port Harcourt during a session of the project.
After the introductions, Mrs. Gladys facilitated the playing of interactive games with the children to get them comfortable and also to find out what they already knew about learning disabilities. Sadly none of the children had ever heard of the term, learning disabilities before.
Mrs. Gladys Neob-Osaretin during her interactive session.
This ushered in the educational session led by Ms. Ose who went ahead to discuss the concept of the learning disabilities with the students.
To help the students easily remember the definition, Ms. Ose told them that, “Learning disability is when a person cannot process information like a regular person can.” She explained that only qualified personnel can diagnose a learning disability and so the students were not to use the term carelessly on their peers.
Ms. Osebhahiemen Aisiku during her educational session.
Together, they discussed the common symptoms of learning disabilities and common types, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. The most interactive part of the session was when Ms. Ose enlightened the children on how they can support their classmates and friends who struggle with learning. By the end of the session, the students were happily reciting, “Be patient! Encourage participation! Avoid bullying! Work together! Celebrate progress!”
Ms. Ose rounded up this session by asking general questions on aspects they had discussed during the session and the children were able to respond. With this session completed, Mr. Favour took the stage to briefly talk about YouLead International, the partner for the project. He went on to lead the children in saying some uplifting affirmations. These affirmations were geared towards encouraging the children to continue to do their best in everything and to believe in themselves.
Mr. Favour Osemwegie during his session
Powerfully, the children repeated after Mr. Favour saying, “…I am smart and capable… I am brave and strong… I can learn anything I want to learn. I have the power to make a difference in the world!”
After this, we presented the Math textbooks and English textbooks and workbooks we came with to Mrs. Pepple. Together with the students and class teachers, she was very happy to receive the books, the joy evident in their faces. Mrs. Pepple went on to express her gratitude to the members of Theresa’s Lighthouse and Youlead International for the wonderful initiative and for their kind contribution to the school.
The Head Teacher, Mrs. Pepple with a sample of the textbooks presented to the school
The project gradually came to a close as the participants shared lunch with the students and teachers, and took pictures to commemorate the day. The teachers also provided us with a list of twelve students who will participate in the second phase of the project. This second phase of the project is a 12-week specialized intervention in Math and Reading for the identified students.
Primary 5 & 6 students of the State Primary School with some of their teachers and participants of The Lighthouse Project
As the facilitators of the second phase, Ms. Ose and Mrs. Gladys met with the students and had a more personal introduction with them to set the pace for their return in January. The students were very excited at the possibility of receiving specialized help in the coming term.
At 11:30am, the first phase of The Lighthouse Project came to an end. The joy and hope in the atmosphere was palpable, so much so that the teachers individually appreciated our initiative. Overall, the reception we received was heartwarming. It was thrilling to spread awareness on learning disabilities and to be able to provide the books and intervention to the children. The students’ happy faces and expressed gratitude was more than enough to show that we are well on the way to meet our goal of building a strong foundation, one child at a time.
Staff of the State Primary School and participants of The Lighthouse Project
Our deepest gratitude goes out to the generous donors whose support made this day possible. Special appreciation to Mrs. Pepple, the entire staff and students of the State Primary School, Rumueme, Port Harcourt for receiving us and giving us listening ears and open hearts.
One of the students holding up a placard during the event
As an organization, Theresa’s LightHouse is determined to create a better world for people, especially those with neurodevelopmental conditions and learning challenges. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the children we meet are more equipped and geared towards a higher level of independence and a better life.