Have you ever heard of the concept called “summer slide”? Well, according to educators, it is said that this concept is the reason students lose a significant amount of their academic knowledge and skills during the summer holidays. 

Understandably, during the summer holiday, kids just want to have fun. However, the availability of structured summer school programs like our Special Summer School can be the lasting difference essential in ensuring your child avoids the “summer slide.” Here’s what we mean:

Summer Learning and Bridging the Achievement Gap 

A journal about The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test Scores notes that most students experience an average of  1 to 3 months decline in their reading and mathematical skills. It is safe to infer from such research that this decline would likely be more prevalent among students from low-income families. 

This is one reason why the value of our Special Summer School being accessible to out-of-school students in low-income communities cannot be overstated. Students from underserved communities can have access to conducive learning environments, experienced instructors, and engaging activities to keep them sharp.

The Social and Emotional Benefits of Summer Schools

As one of the teachers aptly mentions in this Special Summer School video in our Ikota Center highlighting this year’s program, “There’s more to learning than just sitting in the classroom.” Programs like ours were made to foster creativity in students and provide them with access to safe spaces where they develop crucial social and emotional skills through peer interaction, mentorship, and collaborative projects. 

Students like Emmanuella, who couldn’t join the Special Summer School at our Kuje Centre the year before because she was too young, were excited for the opportunity to be part of it this year. She remarks about what she learned and her favourite part of the program is a testament to the program’s impact. “My favourite part of the program was when we were given tasks to perform, I could literally feel my heart racing as we achieved the task.”

The structured yet relaxed environment of the summer school programs like ours allows students to:

• Build self-confidence through achievements

• Develop leadership skills

• Form positive relationships with peers and mentors

• Explore new interests and talents

Long-Term Achievement Awaits

We believe that the real power of summer school programs lies in their long-term impact. A 4-weeks summer learning of activities might not seem like much but it builds toward something more. Students, especially those from low-income communities gain entrepreneurial skills that become useful to help support their families. 

Take Ifeoluwa, for example, who participated in our Makoko Center Special Summer program for four consecutive years. "I learned how to make puff puff and chin-chin (pastries) and told my friends about it and they said whenever we have someone who needs it, we would come and meet you," she shares. "I was able to make money from that and saved up and bought some materials to keep making more."

In Conclusion

Stories like Ifeoluwa’s speak to the value of skills students gain during these summer programs. Our commitment to providing high-quality summer learning opportunities continues to grow. In 2024, we served over 5,000 students across our Special Summer School centres. Our number of centres grew from 6 to 8 and we anticipate that more schools will be eager to partner with us next year. 

Summer learning programs like our Special Summer School are more than just a way to keep students occupied during school breaks. They provide them with tools for academic growth and opportunities for personal development while they explore their creativity. If you love what we do at The Special Foundation, consider becoming a partner today. Get involved with us and donate to our cause.  

Remember:

Every child deserves an education, every child has a right to dream.