We love school so much let’s go on Saturdays

We asked ourselves, how can we best support the students that are the most behind compared to their classmates? 

Here at EFTC, we are always adapting, so this was another challenge that we were ready to take on!   And we decided on on extra, more personalized attention on Saturdays. 

Throughout the world, we've seen the impact COVID-19 restrictions have had on children’s education. Very few of our families have internet access and most of the parents' work is undocumented and unregulated.  This results in less pay and flexibility with their work schedules, meaning less time helping kids with at home learning. 

EFTC adapted when the pandemic started. We gave all our students homework packets, tablets with internet and passed out food hampers.  But, we know that even in the best of circumstances, learning from home without a trained educator, cannot compare to school.  

 Luckily restrictions have lessened and we have our students back!  Our school days look a little different due to governmental regulations, half our students attend class in the morning and half in the afternoon.  But something we realized right away is the effects that two years of not attending school has had on our students.  

Since students came back to class we've been monitoring their progress to measure how far behind they have fallen during the pandemic. This assessment means that we can help the students that need it the most. 

From the 30th of April,  the chosen 70 students will study with us on Saturdays across 11 weeks until the 16th of July.  Students have been chosen who are not keeping up with their peers in reading and maths, with focus on literacy and basic arithmetic skills. 

We're delighted that many of our teachers have stepped up to guide these students through their extra classes. We're so lucky to have such dedicated members of staff. We know that all of our Saturday schoolers will be working really hard and know they will be back on track very soon.