An Ibadan-based Non-Profit Organisation, Neighbourhood Learning Initiative (NLI), has suggested combining sports with academic studies to curb children’s learning loss and idleness, particularly during holidays.
NLI Team Lead, Mrs Tooke Sanyaolu, made this known in Ibadan on Friday while closing the group’s four-week summer coaching for children within the Orita-Challenge/Agbaje communities.
She said the summer coaching, which involved both academic and sporting activities, exposed the children to wholesome learning opportunities.
According to her, NLI focused on children between the ages of five and 12, with 75 children receiving certificates of participation after completing the various physical and mental sessions.
*“It was our maiden summer school, aimed at preventing children from falling behind academically during the holiday and ensuring they learn new skills before the resumption of school.
“We focused on two key subjects, Mathematics and English Language, particularly on reading and handwriting skills.
“We also embedded games such as chess, basketball and football for a wholesome learning experience.
“There will be feedback and follow-up on the children and guardians, as we intend to stretch this opportunity beyond the holiday period.
“Going forward, the community children will have the opportunity of either joining a chess or basketball club, as they also enjoy the free use of a hybrid library,”* she said.
Sanyaolu noted that NLI was established to close the educational access gap, as well as inclusive learning and collaboration gaps.
*“We will achieve this by providing resources, structured programmes and partnerships with stakeholders.
“The children are the leaders of tomorrow; thus, investing in their education is crucial for shaping a brighter future, not only for them personally, but for the nations of the world.
“To sustain this work as a non-profit organisation, we, therefore, need funding, partnerships, expert advice and volunteers,”* she said.
She appreciated the support of Taiye Sobogun, Chief Coach, Oyo State Basketball Association; Bode Sofuluwe, Coach, Oyo State Chess Association, and Lekan Adeyemi, Vice President, International Chess Federation.
Meanwhile, Abosede Amoo, the children’s basketball coach at the programme, said the community basketball sessions exposed the children to physical activities and life skills prospects.
*“It is easier to bring them together during the holidays than when schools are in session.
“Moreover, since many of the children live far away from the Adamasingba basketball courts, where the facilities are, community efforts such as this are encouraged.
“At this age, they are quicker to learn than when they are 15 or 17 years old,”* she said.
Amoo, supported by Adebisi Adeleke, a student of Physical Health Education, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), called on local governments and religious bodies to take more active roles in grassroots sports.
“If they can improve on initiatives like this, the children will gain a lot,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hassan Soliu, the chess instructor from the Blazing Kings Games Club, explained that the benefits of chess extend beyond the board.
According to him, “chess builds critical thinking, supports academic subjects like mathematics, and develops moral discipline.”
He identified the early introduction of chess to children as vital to developing future champions, while noting the gender gap in the game.
“We have more boys than girls in chess because some parents are reluctant or afraid of leaving their daughters with strangers,” he said.
He added that the government could promote the game by publicising its benefits and providing secure venues for training and competitions.
One of the participants, Deborah Olalekan, a JS3 student of Eyini High School, Orita, Ibadan, appreciated the opportunity to master some topics in Mathematics and English Language.
She said playing chess had improved her critical thinking skills, but wondered if her parents would be willing to buy a chessboard for her practice at home.
“I would love to be back next year or any time such a programme comes up,” she said.
(NAN)