Teachers at a Jesuit school in Zambia are going above and beyond to ensure that pupils can continue their education.
The staff at St Canisius Secondary School in Chikuni are working hard to deliver the JOESA (Jesuit Opportunities in Education Southern Africa) programme, which provides support to students at risk of dropping out of school.
Teachers Melody and Stella are among those who have taken on a key role in making sure pupils have all the support they need.
As well as encouraging students during their classes, they explained how they act as “mother carers”, working with parents and guardians to highlight the benefits of getting an education.
They also offer pastoral care, listening to pupils’ concerns around their school and homes lives, and offering solutions to any problems they might encounter.
“Most of them are [from] farming families, and the lack of rain is going to affect their ability to produce food’
Melody explained that many students are concerned about the impact of drought in the region.
“Most of them are [from] farming families, and the lack of rain is going to affect their ability to produce food,” she said.
She and Stella will be on hand to see how they can best support those affected by this issue, so they can continue to reach their full potential.
The JOESA project is backed by Jesuit Missions. As well as counselling sessions, it provides scholarships, sanitary products, school equipment, transportation and medical supplies.
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