OVERVIEW

Patris Accelerated Learning Center (PALC) was launched in January this year, aiming to provide essential literacy and numeracy skills to children in Jenta, a community often likened to the slums of Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. PALC’s work serves the sub-areas of Jenta Adamu, Mangoro, Kerechen, and Jenta Makeri, where children face significant educational and socio-economic challenges, including high rates of school absenteeism and severe poverty.

Background and Need for PALC

Prior to establishing PALC, a “Reading Clinic” was offered during each August holiday, focused on helping children develop basic reading skills. However, due to the prolonged gap between these sessions, children often struggled to retain what they had learned by the following year. Observing this pattern, PALC was founded to offer consistent weekly support, providing lessons every Saturday and giving children snacks.

For many participants, PALC’s support is as much about learning as it is about meeting basic nutritional needs. A significant number of students are from single-parent households, or even situations where, although both parents are present, children are forced to scavenge to sustain themselves. This harsh reality has driven PALC to become a sanctuary not just for educational growth but also for addressing hunger and promoting the well-being of children in need.

Program Structure and Objectives

PALC offers free Saturday classes covering:

Literacy: Basic reading and writing skills for children who have had little or no exposure to formal education.
Numeracy: Fundamental math skills to bridge the gaps for out-of-school children and reinforce knowledge for those in public schools.

Key Statistics (as of September)

Initial Enrollment (January):
16 children
Current Enrollment:
31 children, with the target of accommodating up to 40 children.
Scholarships Awarded:
3 children have secured scholarships to private schools.

Challenges

1. Retention Due to Socio-Economic Factors: Many children are primarily motivated by the prospect of receiving snacks, as they come from situations where food is scarce.

2. High Needs Population: Some children have never attended school and are starting from scratch with tasks such as holding a pencil or identifying numbers and letters.

3. Volunteer Shortage: As the program grows, more volunteers are necessary to maintain quality instruction and support for each child.

Impact and Success Stories
PALC’s intervention has led to three students securing scholarships to private schools, a notable achievement considering the difficult circumstances of these children. This success story serves as a beacon of hope for other children and demonstrates the transformative power of consistent, community-focused educational programs.
PALC continues to address a critical need within Jenta by providing consistent educational support and basic sustenance for children from some of the most challenging backgrounds. With plans to increase enrollment to 40 students and the ongoing need for additional volunteers, PALC is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of these young learners.

Call to Action
Volunteer Support: PALC is actively seeking more volunteers to meet the growing educational demands of the community.
Resource Contribution: Assistance with snacks or educational supplies would greatly benefit the program as the number of participants rises.
Community Partnerships: PALC welcomes collaborations with local organizations and educational institutions to expand the reach and resources available for the children of Jenta.