Joyful Learning

Children everywhere learn best when they are happy. However, when children join our accelerated education program, their previous experiences with school have often been far from joyful. If they attended government-run classes previously, it is likely that the quality of the lessons was low due to overcrowding, limited resources, and poor teacher training, leaving many students to learn very little.

Even more alarming, some students might have suffered abuse and violence from their peers or teachers in the past. In Sub-Saharan Africa, one study of students aged 10–19 found that 43% reported being physically attacked at school. For those who have never enrolled, the idea of school can be intimidating due to both real and perceived threats. When students do not feel safe at school, they are less likely to attend school regularly and succeed academically. Even in schools where violence and abuse are not prevalent, traditional teaching methods that emphasize rote learning rather than interactive and engaging methods can stifle students’ natural curiosity and desire to learn. As a result, the learning environment lacks the joy that can motivate students to engage with the material.

The Luminos Fund has zero tolerance for any form of violence or corporal punishment in our program. At Luminos, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment where students can feel comfortable and enjoy learning.  Our engaging and meaningful lessons provide students with knowledge and skills through a process that empowers them. By using these methods, we change students’ perception of education to something that is joyful, resulting in better learning outcomes and equipping them with a love of learning that will continue to benefit them throughout their lives.