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The Executive Director of Youth Action International (YAI), Dr. Kimmie Weeks, has announced the arrival of a consignment of educational supplies set to benefit close to 10,000 pre-primary school aged children.
The program is said to be part of one of YAI’s program for pre-primary aged students known as the “Liberian Early Childhood Accelerated Practice-based Training Program (LECAPT).”
The program, a release said, is also providing ongoing training and support to close to 400 pre-school teachers. Dr. Weeks said the program is part of YAI’s first step towards a nationwide early childhood development initiative that helps Liberian children build a strong foundation. Youth Action International has been implementing LECAPT in Liberian schools for the third year running. In 2009, the program was introduced to a small group of about 20 schools. Each of the schools received training and materials for their students.
In 2010, YAI widened the reach of its program to benefit more than 400 teachers in 75 schools. Each of the teachers underwent an intensive training led by renowned early childhood development experts, Ken Jaffe and Leslie Falconer. In addition, each school in the program received thousands of dollars’ worth of curriculum guides, books, music, art work, and other assorted supplies.
Madam Helena Carter who serves as Project Officer for LECAPT noted that the program was transformative for both students and teachers alike.
Carter, who continues ongoing training and support with each of the schools observed: “when you visit the schools you can see the positive changes. The students have materials to work with, the teachers have things to give their children, and the children can take the things they learn and take back home for their parents to see”. According to her, the LECAPT program is intended to make learning fun for Liberian children.
At the same time, Executive Director Kimmie Weeks said it was his organizations goal to make sure that every Liberian child has access to the program before they reach first grade. “We are creating a new age in Liberia. It’s a new point when everybody has access to well trained teachers and the best materials. It is no longer just for the rich schools, but we want it to reach the poorest schools in the poorest communities.” Weeks said.
Youth Action International is an international organization working in post war African countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Uganda. The organization has a mission to provide education, health care and economic empowerment to children and young people.
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