Tutoring Club

We celebrated the end of clubs with a pictures, as in true Rwandan style. 

     This year I led the Tutoring Club. The club was made up of 16 students from Senior 5 (third oldest grade). Initially off to a rough start, we found our grounding and purpose and had a wonderful time together. We became a strong and cohesive group.

    Clubs were created at ASYV as a way for all students to take responsibility for different elements that make up the Village. Meeting once a week, students gather to discuss a specific topic. Students strategize and implement solutions to some of the Village’s structures and events. Some of the clubs that exist include:

- Language Development Club (integrates Kinyarwanda, English and French into the Village through reading, writing and listening)

            - Guest Tour Club (tours for guests) 

- Culture Club (educates about Rwandan culture and the importance of preserving the rich culture and language)

- Environment Club (discusses sustainability, modern farming and how to spread the message of environmentalism)

     At the beginning, the group was hesitant to speak English and unsure of the intent of the club. Overtime, as we attempted to clarify the purpose of the club, students began to open up. During club time we discussed different strategies that students should implement in order to improve their academic performance. The club members went to the school, spoke with class monitors and administrators, and spread the message of hard work, time management, collaboration and confidence.

     Not only did we engage in discussions about different learning strategies, but we also grew as leaders and educators. We taught each other games while learning how to hook a group of students. The students brought topics relevant to our lives in the Village to the group. A few topics that were brought were:

Is it good or bad to be in love when you are still young?

What is the difference between people who study and those that don’t?

Through these topics, club members were able to organize and facilitate group meetings. Overtime, the club became more interactive, dynamic and collaborative.

     Whether the students were able to fully grasp the concept of tutoring by the end or not, it was wonderful to see a small group of 16 students take ownership over the academic success of all students in the Village. The club members insisted that we find different methods to engage different learners so as to increase the grades of all students. Through games, club member led discussions, knowledge sharing and informal discussions, club members became more confident with their English, critical thinkers and acquired tools to empower and lead other people.

     In the final evaluation of clubs, students had the chance to reflect on their time in the Tutoring Club. When asked what they liked most, one student said, “The games that we have started with during club time” and “the advices.” When asked what they didn’t like, another student said  “Uhm!! Nothing I didn’t like this club is absolutely very good.” I will miss the cohesion of the group and the fun that we had together.  Overall, I feel very accomplished in what I have taught and the values that I have instilled in these young students. I wish them luck as they continue to become leaders of the future of Rwanda. 

Media and Sandrine. 

Me with the club President, Emmy. 

Gaius, Esher, Justin, Emmy and Donatha posing for the camera.