A brighter future ahead: Meet five-year-old Joshua

Helping children thrive in the classroom

Now that autumn has arrived, it’s a comfortable 19°c here compared to the high 20’s in July and August! I heard you had a warm summer in the UK too - did you enjoy it? I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to. I spent some precious time with my family over the summer break, but I also had a lot of work to do. My VSO teammates and I held several planning meetings and workshops with teachers during the holidays, focusing on how schools can better support children with special educational needs.

When I started this role, many of the schools I worked with overlooked children with disabilities or additional needs. Teachers start their careers without this training, and their classes are so overcrowded that these children are often left behind. But by educating teachers, leaders and families, we’re helping them identify children who need help and understand how every child can learn - they just need the right support.

I recently introduced individual learning plans for students with additional needs. These plans help teachers track a child’s progress and tailor support to their particular needs. I’ve also worked with teachers to make simple changes to their lesson plans - like adding sensory elements or role-play activities. The result is more inclusive, playful classrooms where children are encouraged to be creative and curious - building the foundations for lifelong learning.

I’ve seen shy children come out of their shell, those with additional needs light up as they learn alongside their classmates, and students with disabilities returning to school after dropping out. It’s been a joy to witness, and I can’t thank you enough for making it possible.

Meet Joshua and Alphonsine

One young boy I’ve had the privilege of working with is five-year-old Joshua. When we met, he was struggling with social anxiety and rarely spoke or played with others. But thanks to the kindness of VSO supporters like you, we’ve transformed Joshua’s experience of school. He now has a bright future ahead of him. Joshua and his mum, Alphonsine, share what this means to them…

Joshua

"Hello, my name is Joshua. I am five years old. I live with my mum, dad and my two big sisters and two big brothers. I wake up at 7am and my mum bathes me while my sister makes me porridge.

My school is nice - I like the drawings in my classroom. There are lots of children in my class, and we make so much noise. We have some desks and chairs but not many. I sit on a mat.

Before Diane’s help, I didn’t know how to draw, and I was too shy to ask questions. I didn’t like to study or go to school because there were no toys. I just had to sit and listen.

Now my teacher Olivier gives us things to play with. He also helps me read, write and spell. I like school because we play together. My favourite thing is when we build a house or paint animals.

When I grow up, I want to build lots of houses and buy a huge toy car and drive my mum in it."

Thank you

Thank you for all your incredible support and for making our work here possible. Without your kindness, there would be no volunteers like me. And children like Joshua would still be struggling - without the chance of a good education or a way to break the cycle of poverty.

Your donations are creating real, lasting change. They are a precious thing, so please continue having that heart. Because when you give children the right start in life, you help them become engaged, lifelong learners and open the door to a brighter future.

Remember, if you'd like to send a message or ask a question, you can do so below or email sponsoravolunteer@vsoint.org.

Murakoze cyane - thank you so much!

Diane

P.S. You can hear more from fellow VSO volunteer, Celestin here. In his own words, Celestin will tell you how he's helped shift mindsets, empower teachers, and spark joyful learning for children.