Meet Super Hero Paschal Amma

Paschal Amma loves teaching, but he was concerned about the challenges of teaching in overcrowded classrooms, especially for foundational courses such as Math.

When I teach large classes, there are several things I feel I cannot do effectively. For example, I cannot give each student enough attention, I struggle to grade and return all assignment on time, and it becomes difficult to make sure that everyone has understood the lesson. I would really like to do more small group activities, give more regular feedback and work more closely with each student. But those are much easier to achieve in smaller classes.

I have taught when I had smaller classes. That experience was very different because I was able to know each student better, follow up on their progress more closely, and give individual support whenever needed. I noticed that students were more confident to ask questions and participate actively.

Having smaller classes also reduces the workload for a teacher, since it becomes easier to manage students work and provide timely feedback. For students, this means receiving a higher quality education and more direct support.

Therefore, I strongly believe that reducing class sizes would greatly improve the quality of education for students and also lessen the challenge I face as teacher.

Since he couldn't reduce class sizes, Paschal decided to do what he could to help students achieve better math understanding by starting an after-school Math Club. The club is open to pupils from Grade Four to Grade Seven, and it is growing in attendance and popularity. The club meets twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday after regular classes. During the sessions pupils engage in different activities such as:

• Participating in past examination questions,

• Learning simple techniques for solving different problems

• Taking part in friendly mathematics competition

• Working together to solve real-life challenges related to mathematics

We asked students Emiliana, Fluviani, and Patric why they attend Paschal's Math Club.

• Emiliana said he attends because it helps him understand difficult questions better.

• Fluviani said she had learned techniques to calculate problems faster, and

• Patric said attending Math Club has helped him gain confidence and to develop a love for Math.

Paschal was the first of our Sponsored Teachers, but he has been involved at Tloma for a couple of years as either a temporary or part-time teacher.

Tloma Giving first invited Paschal to Tloma to teach a few supplemental summer classes for our sponsored local secondary school students (high school).

Later there was a limited amount of funding for him to help establish the new school library, and to encourage young readers. Noting his teaching skills, the administration soon moved him into the classroom. But the funding had an end date, and the school was concerned they would lose him.

That is when our first Teacher Sponsor stepped in to provide funds for him to stay.

We love Pascal's dedication to the Tloma students, and we hope to fulfill his desire for smaller classes through more Teacher Sponsorships. Headmaster Beatus has submitted two new names to the School Committee for approval at the start of the new school year in January, and we hope to introduce them to you soon.

We are working to secure funding for four years for a total of 10 teachers. If you would like to help us reduce class sizes and improve the education for over 800 Tloma Students, there are various ways you can contribute. It costs $1200 to hire one teacher for a year. You can pledge to sponsor a teacher for a year, or two or more. Or, you can make a contribution of any size, and we will consolidate those gifts to reach our goals. Every gift is important, and we thank you for your wonderful interest and your support.

Winona