Community based learning; leveraging opportunities in Africa
December 10, 2021: Community based learning; Leveraging opportunities in Africa presented to Prikkle Academy, Nigeria.
Prikkle Academy is a unique learning community based in Nigeria which inspires children and youths through alternative education to create innovative solutions to community problems using personal, relevant and anticipated learning. On December 10, 2021, Paul Sachs, who is an advisory board member at Prikkle, offered a presentation to the community entitled, Leveraging Opportunities in Africa. The Prikkle community currently has representations from over 15 African countries. It attracts young changemakers from different parts of the African Continent who are expressing their gifts, skills and creativity, then collaborating with each other to create real-time community solutions.
As Prikkle seeks to expand the scope of its model, Prikkle community members will be presented with different environments and different challenges. Thinking about how to make the most of opportunities, and not getting set-back by other problems, is important to helping the individuals and their communities where Prikkle wants to make its mark.
Paul drew on his experience in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation psychology. He used this experience to make several points and illustrations.
1. Don’t just focus on how to change a person. Focus on how to change the environment immediately around that person to bring out their best.
2. Appreciate small gains and celebrate them. Don’t get intimidated by big projects and big goals. Break it down into small steps and celebrate those small accomplishments.
3. Think about how to make things measurable. How can goals and activities be put into numbers? Doing this forces one to be more specific and help you see and communicate your achievements.
4. Be an active observer and listener. Use your “third” eye and your “third” ear. When you notice new things, you will notice new problems and new ways to solve them. For example, don’t just listen to the words people say. Listen to how they say them. And what they don’t say.
5. To build motivation for change “share the why.” Explain why we are making this change. But also, what will happen if we don’t make this change.
6. Have a learning mindset. Build your skills. Sure you want to help people. But you will help people better if you are also helping yourself learn new skills.
7. Be patient. Easier said than done. A lesson maybe we never completely learn no matter how long we live. But patience will sustain you on the path when others have dropped off.
Rehabilitation is not just for people with injuries or disabilities. It is a mindset that can be helpful in many situations – on the job, at home or personally. If you would like to discuss how ReidSachs LLC rehabilitation experience can help you and your business please contact us.