National Youth Awareness Forum, Sierra Leone
National Youth Awareness Forum (NYAF) believes that for schools in Sierra Leone, both children and adults are a part of the change journey. The work needs to create transformational shifts in being, relating, and doing.
NYAF's vision for learners
A Sierra Leonean learner should have a deep sense of belongingness and pride in one's homeland. They should embody civil rights, social participation, and shared values. They should understand and be able to navigate complex texts, technology and ideas. They must develop the capacity to experience, express and manage emotions to develop healthy, meaningful relationships with themselves and others. Learners should identify and solve problems by innovating, developing relevant skills and acquiring resources. This is possible with the development of the following outcomes:
The principles that guide the design of all experiences and spaces are:
How does this influence the change journey for the schools?
NYAF envisions a change journey for all schools that is gradual and empowering. This journey is mapped through the following phases:
Equity, care, and access to quality education are at the heart of the NYAF school model. The design of activities and structures values the importance of the context, role of learners, educators, and the community.
An overview of the model is depicted below:
How is the model creating shifts in the school ecosystem?
Students have started to see purpose in learning, and they look forward to coming to school. Teachers are intentionally focusing on the classroom culture and working towards developing foundational skills in learners. They incorporate SEL practices and strategies to increase learner engagement. School leaders collaborate with teachers to align and implement support across the school. They see the value in having a distributive form of leadership. Educators and school leaders see purpose in the school and the community working closely to cater to the needs and welfare of all children. Community driven groups are forming to monitor the welfare of each child and monitor their overall well-being.
