A familiar school works with a prominent organisation where the latter encourages sponsorship and internship programme. The employees in the organisation are actually past students of the school. This motivates the students to learn effectively and apply for internship programmes and offered scholarships by same, 

A familiar school works hand in hand with an outside organisation where they work together to support learning. They created a good partnership  that serve to strengthen, support, and even transform the school, resulting in improved program quality, more efficient use of resources, and better alignment of  school goals.

A particular school partenered with an asscociation which specializes in the development of reading skills for both adults and children. On a certain evening of the week, they would work one on one with students who struggled with reading to provide extra support. Parents who wished to be part of the reading programme were welcome to join.

Working in partnership with NGOs such as the  BCVI (Belize Council for Visual Impairment) assist schools in specialize training for teachers in the area of  using the braille machine,  abacus and using other  assistive technology to assist students with visual impairment. They also provide students with camps where mobility skills and being independent   are being taught to them.

For advice and financial assistance.

A school that I am familiar with uses the community as a support system for the children and school in ways such as donating stationary and other supplies for the student.

ROTC. We partner with the military unit in our area. The students volunteers learn great self discipline, get paid to do volunteer work and they get the opportunity to study and get scholarships for higher education. The junior ROTC program is now built into the daily schedule. 

Peace Corps volunteers have been a part of a school I'm familiar with. They help to engage students in various aspects of the curriculum that may sometimes be challenging for some teachers. They have also assisted with building the school's first library which was fully funded, organized and monitored on a daily basis by these volunteers. It has become a part of daily routines to engage student in reading "for fun" due to this link. 

A school that I am familiar with, works with the district health centre, whose dental nurses visit the school once per academic year. They talk with children about dental hygiene, and check on each child’s dental health (with parent’s permission). Referrals are made for children to visit the dentist at the district health centre as necessary.

The community police also routinely visit (once per month) to enquire of any situations that may require their attention.  They also attend parent meetings (one per academic year) to share information and provide support and advice to parents.

My example is not a school but a TEVET institution where I serve as chair of governors. We work with church organizations, NGOs, children homes and friends in the community.  Though this links we have had many students from disadvantaged backgrounds sponsored for training in the institute. The most resent was with Canadian embassy where they sponsored training of 40 girls and young mothers in male dominated professions such as plumbing and electrical work. Previously we had sponsorships for people with disabilities from another NGO in short courses such as cake making and decoration and others. 

In addition though NGOs we have been able to get training equipment for some of our courses such as wood work and tailoring.  

During this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic when our resources were draining out and we were slowly gridding into a halt one NGO injected some money that kept the institute running until reopening of the institute. These organizations have been very helpful and we are hoping to get many others linked to our institute. 

A school I'm familiar with works with outside organisations for donations to aide in the repairs and running of the school and during this pandemic time, to aide in purchasing smart devices for less fortunate students so that all students can learn from home.

At a school with which I am familiar, continued learning via the Covid-19 pandemic was supported by an outside organisation. Many students lacked devices with which to engage in online learning and so this particular NGO ensured that no child was left behind and sought to provide devices for the students. What a wonderful way for an outside organisation to assist.

A school that I am familiar with works with local and international organizations for enhancing the literacy and numeracy programmes, and for building social and emotional intelligence in the formative years. Teacher training in that school included workshops on the law as it pertains to child abuse, the rights of the child and the role of the teacher/educator.

One telecommunication company (TELKOM) in Kenya provided lecturers in my University with free internet buddles immediately covid hit in 2020. Attending virtual meetings and organising online classes especially for post graduate students was made easier and more accessible. Up to date some are still using the free internet service. This is a great relief. 

The child will benefit from extra support as the itinerant teacher will assist the classroom teacher to establish individual plans to meet the needs of the child.  A second peer of eyes will also assist the teacher to address challenges that the child  maybe experiencing and  the classroom teacher may have overlooked. The itinerant teacher can also assist in making resources, and help with researched strategies. However, some challenges may exist as funding maybe a problem and if there are too many schools in the district for the itinerant teacher to visit, this  may become quite overwhelming.   

At my school we collaborate with persons and outside organisations to help provide materials needed at the school such as cleaning supplies and toiletries. We also have them give training sessions to teachers  and provide learning materials too. 

Good collaborations Vaughn, Sally and Joan. Thank you for sharing.

Do you have any similar examples of schools working with organisations in your context?

The Association of Orphans and Vulnerable Children NGOs in Nigeria (AOON) is a coalition that has strong support from the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and has worked closely with Save the Children in Kano and Kaduna. The coalition is involved in advocacy work around children infected/affected by AIDS and their exclusion from education and is a strong ally in advocating for vulnerable and excluded children.

Sari Iganmu Primary School’s women’s committee is working with the police to tackle violence against school children in the community

Female Leader Forum CSO, Ikeja, Lagos has been linking with other CSOs, for mutual assistance where skills are lacking (e.g. around children with special educational needs).

In Lagos State, Linking Youth of Nigeria through Exchange (LYNX), a CSO, collaborated SBMCs and schools in Kosofe and Shomolu LGEAs to improve schools by seeking support from the community. There was a time when flooding took place at Agunbiade Primary School, one of the local schools in the community. The SBMC called every parent, teacher and community member to donate whatever resources regardless of how little or large it may be to help stop the flooding at the school. The community responded, overwhelmingly and when word of their response quickly travelled to the local government officials they also swiftly took action and assisted the community members in sanding of that school.

The school had already been fortunate enough to receive support from the nearby Rotary Club, which had provided for them toilets and water, as well as some school furniture,

Case study: SBMCs supporting disabled children to survive in school

Isaiah XX was born 15 years ago in a town in, Kwara State. Daudu Isaiah was born lame, after which his mother became mentally ill, and his father died some years after his birth. He was left to fend for himself at very tender age, begging for alms from passer-by and neighbours while being accommodated by a very old woman, to whom he delivers most of his earnings.

Isaiah was already 13 at that time and living solely on alms begging. The SBMC met him to assure him that if he quit begging and enrol in school, they will support his schooling, feeding and upkeep till he finishes schooling. Isaiah was enrolled in Primary 2 (six years older than the oldest of his classmates) and to the delight of the SBMC, he took his studies seriously and came top of his class at the end of the session, making the school give him double promotion to Primary 4.

The SBMC were responsible for his upkeep and took care of all his financial demands for school. Isaiah still has a major challenge in getting to school, as he has to crawl to school on daily basis and this is quite painful, taking 2 hours each way. The SBMC in collaboration with a CSO (Hilltop) tried getting him a tricycle wheelchair while his teacher helpe him by giving him extra time to review lessons he missed.

The SBMC have tried getting him a tricycle wheelchair, but it is too costly for them as they have other children in the school that they are supporting to remain in school. The nearest secondary school from Isaiah’s house (the only one in the community) is about 2km away, and crawling there will take him almost 3 hours. Further efforts to seek a wheelchair are being continued by the SBMC and by Hilltop CSO.

.  There  is a group that does peer counselling. This individual has a degree in Child Psychology and was able to help a child whose was shy and withdrawn become confidence and better able to share information with peers and staff ensuring no child is left behind.

NGO's are an excellent source of support to schools. One particular organization I am familiar with supports the children's home in my area. The children there range from birth to eighteen years of age. The NGO provides funding and resources for all of the children. School books, uniforms, transportation, computers, music lessons and instruments and food. The home itself works with the schools in the area to ensure that all the children receive an education, and actively participate in all school activities.. They also work with the local health facility to ensure that the children are immunized, dental is done, and screening for hearing and vision, as well as any other developmental delays.

Hi,

In the school I am familiar with, there are no events taking place at the school, without the assistance of past pupils from the community and also the local government representative. We call on these persons and they always lend a hand , big or small.

Regards,

Michelle

A school I am familiar with works with their past pupils to  support parents, children and teachers who are in need. The Principal will network with these past students for support. They range from medical care personnel,  physical tutors and musician . They all give their support to the children. 

In a school I am familiar with works along with NGO's to  ensure  children are provided with the support and resources needed  so  they are actively engaged in their learning at school and parents can also work with them at home. In the local community the school works along with the health centre where workshops are done with the teachers and the children at the school  regarding healthcare and development. The nurses will have visits to the school and have regular checks to ensure children  immunization cards are up to date. They will speak with parents  about how to work with improving their child's health. The dentist will have interactive ,educational visits with the children  and provide feedback  to the school and parents.

Generally , with regards to the pandemic, outside organizations took it upon their selves to aid and assist students with devices in school for the participation of continuous learning online. More specially in the school I work in outside organization around the community assist in donation such as photo coping machines and funds. The community nurse also assist the school giving students eye examination and hearing as well. Police officers and fire officers assist by giving their time to visit schools to carry out lecturers for the safety of the students. 

A school I am familiar with recently partnered with a Private Company in the vicinity of the school to help provide tablets for several students of our school to be able to access online learning. In the past this Company donated a substantial sum for the construction of a library at the school. 

I school I know of works with Student Support Services to help alleviate some of the problems encountered by students.  They provide counselling, do home visits when necessary, and provide support for special needs kids just to name a few.

A neighboring Learning and Development Centre for Special Children has been partnering with outside organizations successfully for years. This institution has been partnering with Government and Non-Government Organizations in various ways to assist with things such as:

*Sponsorship and scholarships for tuition "Adopt a child" initiative.

*Free Transport via the Public Transport Service Corporation

*Upgrades of suitable furniture 

*Outfitting with Technology and devices via a local Communication Company.

A school that I am familiar with utilizes external organizations such as the community and religious bodies to provide assistance to children and their families. Families have tremendously benefitted from being provided with the necessary resources to improve their lives.  

Many primary schools are working with YONECO (Youth Net and Counselling) which basically fights for rights for children in schools. They advocate for inclusion and end of child marriages in schools. in other cases they lobby for more SNE teachers and the need to have itinerant teachers before they are enrolled in Pre-service training so that we have motivated teachers to support all learners in schools irrespective of the disabilities. 

YONECO has radio programmes whose major focus is to reach out to the youth and the importance of education.

A school that I am familiar with, works with the Community Health Center inviting nurses to  visit the Centre  to talk with children and parents  about Diabetes, it's effects, how much sugar content is in certain foods and how they can choose healthier foods. 

Also the community has a pool. The lifeguard will visit and lecture to parents and kids about water safety etc during PTA meetings.

There is a fire station nearby. So, the fire officers will visit the Centre too. Both parents and children benefit from this.

The Community police will ever so often drop by to check in with the Centre. They also have little talks with the kids when they visit. This makes the staff feel more safe and the children have an increased confidence in the police service.

My point is, the stakeholders involved not only give but they can benefit from their interactions with the school too.

There is an initiative in a secondary school in my country which requires their students to volunteer to assist special needs students at their own or other schools or libraries with their studies for at least one day per week. I like this initiative because it subtlely teaches the students that even children with special needs can learn and deserve equal opportunities as they do.

A school I am familiar with works with an outside organizations where this particular organization assists the school by setting up a sports programme and providing essential staples for those who may not have. This organization gives those students an equal opportunity to succeed as they cater to assist the diverse learner. It has truly made an impact on the sports enthusiasts students, some of whom are nationally ranked in the country.

The said organization also contributes by having employees come in once a month to read to students and connect with them. They also organize cultural and environmental learning centres at certain times of the year for students to actively engage in and do more hands on learning outside of the classroom.

A familiar school of the arts  has included in course content an activity that allows students to develop and  implement  programs in schools in deprived areas as a final activity toward graduating. 

I know of some people from Alumni groups or non profit organizations who have provided devices, even volunteer their time in specific subject areas  to assist with children learning and development. 

A school I am familiar with has connected with workplaces in their community. Each workplace is asked to provide a workplace mentor that will work with a student during their schooling and each student will be allowed to visit the workplace to understand how their courses relate to the workplace. The mentors provide the students with guidance, encouragement and coaching. In some cases, life-long relationships are developed.

A familiar school works closely with a community organization that provides support to students in need of connectivity support. During the pandemic students have transition to virtual learning. However there are many students who do not have access to devices or proper a internet connection. The organization has open their facility to accommodate students based on the school's recommendation.

Hi everyone!

A school I am familiar with, works with Rotary Club. They help provide resources such as school books, stationary packs, paint for the physical building and even the school sign! Working with an outside agency has brought hope and much assistance for the school.

A school i am familiar with works well with with an outside organization by providing an avenue whereby children can get involved in sporting activities, get help with home-work and acts as a disciplinary medium for children who are unsupervised because their parents work.  

A school I am familiar with doesn't really have an outside organisation that they are dealing with in person but they are associated with the government. What the government does is, they send district personnel in the schools to assist the children with learning and disability needs. These personnel are well trained to deal with these type of children. It allows the school to develop and improve as an institution and to better assist the children. It also helps the teacher because they can learn from the personnel so as time passes by.

This particular organisations is made up of past parents, whose children attended the school previously. What they have done is that they developed a committee where the have various fund raising events to donate funds for the school. They would also assist by having workshops where they themselves become the resource personnel for the workshops. With this both the organisation and the school have developed a great partnership in working towards the development of the school.

It`s a blessing for a school to have these kind of partnership and assistance. Both the school and the child benefit from such a program. Yes, there are challenges, but together, we can make a difference.

The School: it benefits from having the expertise as part of the school program, it becomes inclusive. Untrained teachers become aware and knowledgeable of how to work with these kids.

The Child: they get assistance from a specialist, so the outcome is a positive one, they learn at their pace and level, this gives them courage and builds their self-esteem

I have seen in a school I am familiar with worked with social workers from the Children authority services, police, nurses to name a few. There was a particular child that had serious behavioral problems, where he was a danger to himself and the children. The staff and parents did not want him excluded from the school because despite his disability they saw he has great potential.  The school staff together with Organizations such as the community police, behavioral specialists, and parents worked together to assist the child.  Every suggestion that benefited the child was implemented. A padded room was even installed by one of the organizations that supplies school with teaching aids, to assist him to clam down without hurting himself. What I have learnt  when I reflected on the experience is, not only did the strategies helped the student but there will already be things in place if another child have the same needs. The learning, the experience and the tools will already be available. Thanks to all the organizations that collaborated with the school and assisted with the belief that no child should be left behind.

The schools were many , but to be on the safar side, working with out side organizations(like NGOs) creates a solid relationship that leads the school to achieve inclusivity/inclusive Education, it also help/assist the school in carrying all learners in achieving targeted objectives of an inclusive school.

We have a visiting special education officer form the ministry of education at the beginning of the school year. we wish that person would visit more often but there is limited officers to visit all schools in the district. Nevertheless the school's counsellor and the officer are in constant communication and would sometimes hold parenting session to best assist the child. 

An experience that I have had with out side organizations is the linkage of youth clubs. There are children that need to be involved in extra circular activities and get guidance. There is a Police Youth Club that is operation in the community. In this case, the school inform parents about the presence of the organization in the community, and follow up. 

A school that I am familiar with works with the Community Health Center. The nurses visit on a yearly basis to conduct screening for vision and hearing. This helps teachers to identify children who require additional needs. For example, place the child in the front of the class as she/ he is short sighted. As these children needs are met, learning becomes easier and comfortable. Stakeholders, teachers, parents and children can all benefit positively when they work collaboratively.  

A school I am familiar with works with organizations for students to apprentice after/while learning. Such areas are auto mechanic, electrical and plumbing, hairdressing and food preparation. The students are able to reinforce what is learnt and also earn a stipend. 

Being part of a government school we are fortunate to have the assistance and collaboration of the Ministry of Health in the form of scheduled visits by nurses to ensure that children and immunized and that it is up to date.  They also do workshops where they give advice and ideas on healthy nutrition and healthcare to parents.  This is greatly appreciated as many of them are from low income families. We also have the support of many of our past parents who will from time to time donate items or cash to various causes.

The only school in which I know off in my context that has itinerant teachers is a primary school in my community. The itinerant teachers are sent to work full time with children in a grade who have special needs. However, they do not go out into the community and they do not offer much family support.  

an example of how a school that i am familiar with works with outside organizations;

The school mainly use themes and projects to teach the children ,when there is need for the children to have a practical experience about the project or theme .the school would visit the outside organization or invite a representative to visit the school..

Example .a project was done on transportation by air and the school visited the heliport and the airport.

a project was done on bees and the bee keeper was invited to show different apparatus from the apery. The children also got small samples of honey and dress in the beekeepers clothing and hat. 

Linking and working with outside  organizations helps to give the children more meaningful experiences.

A familiar example of a school working with outside personnel/organizations is evident as links are made in all of the major organizations surrounding the school, such as the police station, health centre, shops/ other businesses and the Member of Parliament's office. Such links benefit the school in a myriad of ways.

A few examples include, the baker from the bakery coming to show children how to make bread for the Bakery theme; he also provided free bread and cakes to all the children.

Free dental checkups for all children, Social police offering their services for family cases and coming to PTA meetings to provide information.

Food hampers and even job opportunities for parents through the Member of Parliament's office.

And, a parent who works at a service provider organizing for the school to have internet to step up the ICT curriculum delivery at the school.

In one EC Centre I know of the school has a strong partnership with the Community Centre Board of Management. They join together to do annul fundraisers to provide funds for the EC Centre to improve their school building (paint jobs, mending fences...). One time funds were raised to enhance the equipment in their Outdoor Play area, swings and slides were repaired, and a barrel tunnel installed. Parents and families have a vested interest in the success of the school and students.

The particular outside organization, focuses on the needs of the parents in terms of educational support. They have frequent training sessions based on parenting literacy as well as other methods that help parents to be able to become effectively involved in their children's learning. There is also one past student who donates stationery and school bags yearly for families in need. 

Comments on cases:

As mentioned previously the support is aligned to school base professional development. These specialist services support both the teachers and learners. While students needs are diverse from school to school, it shows equity. That is how the students individual needs are meet through adaptations and accommodations.

A school I am familiar with has partnered with an external agency to promote a reading programme in the school. Teachers were trained to deliver the programme, and mentorship continued at the school with regular visits form the training team. Additionally, the parents were also invited to be trained afterschool so that they could support their children at home. The continuity of the programme from school to home added to the success of the programme.

One school I am familiar with would liaise would work with an outside organisation for the running of the after school home work club. Students would have tutors available after school to assist with home work while waiting to be collected. 

Outside organisations assist in terms of sponsorship of resources. They are also instrumental in providing training opportunities for parents.

The Education Trust Fund in Nigeria is geared towards providing structures required for quality education and also in the training of professionals especially in tertiary institutions in Nigeria

The Police Youth Clubs work along with many schools in rural areas. This keeps the children occupied and out of trouble, particularly while parents are at work.

One school I am familiar with has been involved with an adopt a school initiative where a company in the school's community assist the school in getting resources for children. In previous years it would have been stationery. With the move to online learning, they have provided devices for students to access online classes.

A school that I know works with many outside organisation however one in particular is a church in which they help distribute a variety of hampers to the families within the school, they render; counselling, financial aid, and also the school is allowed to use their conference room for any special event. Most importantly the head of the organisation is the President of the school board, he seeks the interest and well-being of all the staff and also the children and their families. 

I have seen schools work with NGO's who provide services such as homework centers or remedial reading services and this has helped the school by not having to use the teachers as resources after school and allowing outside organisations to help.

A school I am familiar with grants approval for nurses from the Ministry of Health (community health centers) to visit the school and conduct screen (visual & auditory) children. They also provide vaccinations for the children going into secondary schools. Parents are asked to give consent for their child to be vaccinated prior to vaccination.

A school I am familiar with has been liaising with external organizations for training of staff, coaching for students as well as for providing aid for families in need in the community. 

I have witnessed at university level where the university identifies a school each semester in which they will stay close with and interact during community service, identifying their needs and assisting with coming upw ith viable solutions. Exchange proogrammes have also been put in place for students to have a feel of different schools with fairly newer environments hence witnesssing diversity. 

Organizations have also welcomed students to their organizations for internships and in the positions they have ensured that those with special needs are catered for. 

I have also witnessed where parents are encouraged to act during their career days in school to help parents become a part of the school community

I am aware of school that works with business to provide on the job training for skilled subject areas.

Presently in Trinidad and Tobago, a lot of NGO's and Governmental Agencies are teaming up with schools to assist students who are unable to attain devices and technical support for online learning through the pandemic.  Citizens are also part of this venture. It has indeed assisted students who are now well on their way to having the tools needed for online learning.

Activity 4.5

A school am familiar with works with an organization from Canada. This organization supplies materials and other resources for the children, doctors are sent twice a year to check the children including eye specialist and they also provide glasses. They have summer camps every year and offer assistance to the teachers and parents.

A school that I am familiar with works with outside organization to aid in low income families to provide necessities on a monthly basis, outside organizations also provides books, uniforms and school supplies for the less fortunate.

Many NGOs like UNICEF, Plan International etc. are involved in supporting children with disabilities. There are some specialized teachers trained by NGOs act to supporting teachers who have children with disabilities through FETAPH association. schools in towns benefit the most from this association. Inclusive teaching needs to be handled thoroughly and widely from a national view. 

Some schools benefit from 'Adopt a school programme'. This allows an organisation to adopt a school and help the school to achieve their goals. Support is also provided from the members of the organization who volunteer to assist in small repairs and beautification projects. 

Foundations belonging to different personalities provide support in terms of resources to schools for example the Tegla Loroupe foundation in the conflict prone areas of north west Kenya 

A school I'm familiar with are in partnership with outside organizations to improve the quality of education the children receive by sponsoring Teacher's for Professional Development as well as donating play and outdoor equipment for the children. 

They also donate other materials such as copying paper to the school.