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SEAT TO
LEARN: SECURING ERGONOMIC AND ACCESSIBLE TABLES FOR EDUCATION AND LEARNING
Name: Zakaria Abukari Hudu
Nurudeen Amatey Sampah
Ali Sambo
Executive Summary
Project Overview
The SEAT TO LEARN PROJECT aims to improve the educational
experience for students by providing adequate and comfortable furniture in
schools. The project seeks to address the current shortage of suitable
furniture, which hinders the learning process and affects student well-being.
By providing new furniture, we will create a conducive learning environment
that fosters academic excellence, promotes student engagement, and supports
teacher effectiveness.
Theory of Problem
The school is facing a significant issue with inadequate
furniture, which is having a profound impact on the learning environment. The
problems are multifaceted, including insufficient seating, poorly maintained
furniture, limited accessibility, and health and safety concerns. These issues
are not only affecting the students' physical comfort but also their ability to
focus and learn.
The impact of these issues on the school is far-reaching.
Decreased student engagement, increased distractions, and negative impacts on
teacher morale are all consequences of inadequate furniture.
Furthermore, safety concerns and potential lawsuits are a
significant risk. The inequitable learning opportunities created by inadequate
furniture are also a concern, as students in poorly equipped classrooms may be
at a disadvantage compared to their peers in better equipped classrooms.
The effects of these issues extend beyond the classroom, with
decreased parental satisfaction and trust in the school also a likely
outcome.
Overall, the lack of adequate furniture is a critical issue that
requires attention and action to ensure that students have a safe, comfortable,
and supportive learning environment.
By addressing these issues, the school can improve student
outcomes, increase teacher morale, and enhance its reputation within the community.
Needs Assessment
To determine the furniture needs of the school, a thorough needs assessment was conducted. This involved a multi-step process, including;
Interviews with students
and teachers to gather information on their furniture needs and preferences.
Classroom observations
were also conducted to assess the current furniture layout and identify any
challenges or limitations in terms of space and accessibility.
Additionally, a thorough
inventory of the current furniture was taken to determine the quantity and type
of furniture needed to support effective learning.
The findings of the
needs assessment revealed the following key issues.
Many classrooms were
found to lack sufficient seating and desk space, leading to overcrowding and
discomfort for students.
Most of the
current furniture was also found to be outdated, damaged, or in poor condition,
creating an unsupportive learning environment.
Finally, some classrooms
were found to lack accessible furniture for students with disabilities, creating
barriers to learning.
Based on these findings,
we plan to raise funds to acquire 50 suitable desks that will meet the
needs of students. The total budget estimate for these furniture needs is GHc11,660.00.
By addressing these
furniture needs, the school can create a more supportive and inclusive learning
environment that promotes academic success and well-being for all students.
Theory of Solution
The primary objectives of the project to provide adequate
furniture to the school are centered around creating a supportive and inclusive
learning environment.
The first objective is to improve the learning environment by
creating a comfortable and conducive space that fosters academic excellence and
student engagement. This will enable students to focus and learn effectively,
leading to better academic outcomes.
The second objective is to enhance the student experience by
providing access to quality furniture that meets their needs. This will promote
a sense of well-being and motivation among students, enabling them to reach
their full potential.
The project also aims to support teacher effectiveness by
equipping them with the necessary resources to deliver high-quality
instruction. This will enhance their overall teaching experience and enable
them to provide better support to their students.
Lastly, the project seeks to promote equity and inclusion by
ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have
equal access to quality furniture and learning opportunities. This will help to
create a fair and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive
and succeed .By achieving these objectives, the project will have a positive
impact on the school community, enhancing the learning experience and promoting
academic excellence.
Significance To The Target Group
The project holds significant importance for the target group, comprising students, teachers, and the school community.
One of the primary benefits of this project is the improvement of
academic performance. A well-equipped learning environment can lead to better
academic outcomes, increased student motivation, and enhanced overall
performance.
Beyond academics, this project also aims to enhance student
well-being. Access to quality furniture can promote physical and mental
well-being, reducing distractions and discomfort that can hinder
learning.
Teachers will also benefit from this project, as a more supportive
and resource-rich environment can lead to increased job satisfaction and
reduced turnover rates. When teachers have the necessary resources and support,
they can focus on what matters most – providing high-quality education to their
students. This, in turn, can lead to improved teacher retention and a more
stable learning environment.
Finally, this project can foster community pride and engagement,
promoting a sense of ownership and responsibility among stakeholders. A
well-maintained and equipped school can become a source of community pride,
bringing people together and promoting a shared sense of purpose.
Ties to Long-term Vision
The project is closely tied to the long-term vision of the students, as it plays a critical role in preparing them for future success. By providing students with a quality learning environment, we are laying the foundation for their future achievements in academics, professions, and personal pursuits.
Moreover, the project facilitates the development of essential 21st-century
skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. A
well-equipped school provides students with the necessary tools and resources
to explore, experiment, and innovate, helping them develop the skills required
to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
The project also promotes a supportive and inclusive learning
environment, which is essential for fostering a growth mindset among students.
When students feel safe, supported, and encouraged, they are more likely to
take risks, embrace challenges and persist in the face of obstacles.
Ultimately, the project aims to empower students to become future
leaders, innovators, and change-makers in their communities and beyond. By
providing students with access to quality education and resources, we are
giving them the tools they need to succeed and make a positive impact in the
world.
We believe that every student has the potential to become a leader
and a force for good, and we are committed to helping them realize that
potential.
Sustainability of the Project
Building a sense of ownership among stakeholders is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the project.
To achieve this, we will involve stakeholders in the planning process, engaging with students, teachers, parents and community members in decision-making.
Clear communication is also vital, keeping stakeholders informed about the project's progress, goals, and challenges through regular updates. By doing so, we can build trust and a sense of responsibility among stakeholders.
Empowering student leaders is another key strategy we will employ. By identifying student leaders who can champion the project and encourage their peers to get involved, we can build a sense of ownership among students and create a positive, grassroots movement.
Providing opportunities for feedback and input is also essential, we will regularly solicit feedback from stakeholders to make them feel heard and valued.
By implementing these strategies, we can build a sense of ownership among stakeholders, ensuring the project's sustainability and long-term success.
.
Sustainability Plan
To ensure the project's
sustainability, we will establish a comprehensive sustainability plan.
This includes, setting
up a five member project management team of three fellows and two staff members
to oversee the project's ongoing development and maintenance.
We will also secure
funding through grants, donations and partnerships, and develop a maintenance
plan that ensures that the furniture is properly cared for.
Regular monitoring and
evaluation of the project's impact will allow us to make adjustments as needed,
ensuring the project's continued success.
By building a sense of
ownership among stakeholders and developing a comprehensive sustainability
plan, we can ensure the project's long-term success and create a lasting
positive impact on the school community.
Funding: The SEAT TO LEARN
PROJECT requires a significant investment in furniture and installation cost.
To ensure accurate estimations, we consulted with local craftsmen to provide
detailed quotes for the necessary items. Based on the quotes received, we
estimated the total cost of the project to be GHC 11,660.00 broken down into the following
categories:
|
Unit cost of desk |
|
|
|
|
Item description |
Quantity |
Unit Cost (GHc) |
Total Cost (GHc) |
|
10m sq. pipe |
2 |
20 |
40 |
|
½ light plate |
½ |
60 |
|
|
workmanship |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of 50 desks |
50 |
150 |
7,500 |
|
Cost of polishing |
|
|
2,600 |
|
|
|
|
10,100 |
|
Miscellaneous: |
|
|
|
|
Transportation |
|
500 |
|
|
10,600 |
|||
|
10% contingency |
|
1,060 |
|
|
TOTAL COST |
|
11,660 |
We believe that this investment will have a positive impact on the
learning environment and contribute to the development of a more supportive and
inclusive education system.
Following the needs assessment and budgeting, the project will proceed with several key steps.
The procurement phase
will involve sourcing and purchasing suitable furniture that meets the needs of
students.
Once the furniture is
acquired, it will be installed in the classroom, with careful attention to
proper assembly and maintenance.
To ensure the project's
success, regular monitoring and evaluation will be conducted to assess its
impact on student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness.
Finally, upon completion of the project, a comprehensive report will be prepared and presented to stakeholders, including the school administration, teachers, students, and the community, marking the official handover of the project.
External Partners
We aim to collaborate with external partners who can provide valuable resources, expertise, and funding to help achieve the project objectives. Some potential external partners include
Action Aid, Star Ghana Foundation, Tree Aid, and GNPC Foundation.
These partners can play a crucial role in supporting the project, bringing in diverse skills and resources to ensure its success.
These external partners can contribute to the project in various ways. They can provide funding through grants, donations, or sponsorships, which will help cover the costs of implementing the project.
Additionally, they can offer expertise through technical assistance, consulting services, or training, which will enhance the project team's capacity to deliver the project's objectives.
Finally, the partners can also provide resources such as furniture, equipment, or materials needed for the project.
Community Stakeholders
To ensure the success of our project, we recognize the importance of engaging with various community stakeholders who have a vested interest in the education and well-being of our students.
These stakeholders include parents and guardians, local businesses
and organizations, and local residents. We plan to engage with them through
regular updates, parent-teacher associations, volunteer opportunities, and
social media.
We believe that community stakeholders can provide valuable support to our project. We are seeking financial support in the form of donations, sponsorships, or grants to purchase equipment and materials necessary for the project.
Additionally, we need volunteer support to help with various
aspects of the project, such as fundraising and hands-on construction.
We also seek partnerships and collaborations with local businesses
and organizations to access resources, expertise, and funding.
By engaging with community stakeholders and securing their support, we can ensure the success of our project and create a positive impact on the education and well-being of our students. We believe that building strong relationships with our community stakeholders is crucial to achieving our project's objectives and creating a lasting legacy.
Implementation Plan with Timelines
The project is scheduled to run for six months, divided into three phases.
Phase 1, which spans weeks 1-4, focuses on planning and preparation. During this phase, a detailed project plan, including timelines and resource allocation, will be developed, for the project management team to oversee the project's implementation. Additionally, funding will be secured through grants, donations, and partnerships.
Phase 2, which runs from weeks 5-12, involves procurement and
installation. During this phase, the required furniture and equipment will be
sourced and purchased, ensuring that all items meet the necessary quality and
safety standards. The new furniture will then be delivered and installed, with
proper assembly and installation ensured. This phase will transform the
learning environment, providing students and teachers with the necessary
resources to support effective learning.
Phase 3, which spans weeks 13-24, focuses on training, evaluation,
reporting, and handing over. Training and support will be provided to teachers
and students on the use and maintenance of the new furniture, ensuring that all
users are familiar with the new resources and can utilize them
effectively.
The project's progress and impact on the learning environment will
be monitored, and the effectiveness of the new furniture in enhancing student
learning outcomes will be evaluated. A comprehensive report will be prepared,
detailing the project's achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Finally,
the project will be formally handed over to the school administration, marking
the completion of the six-month project.
Conclusion
The SEAT TO LEARN PROJECT offers a unique opportunity to improve
the educational experience for students, support teacher effectiveness, and
foster community engagement. By providing adequate and comfortable furniture,
we can create a positive impact on student learning outcomes, teacher morale,
and community partnerships. We believe that this project will have a lasting
impact on the education sector and contribute to the development of a more
supportive and inclusive learning environment.
please donate into the following accounts to help a learner/student in need:
MTN
AGENT NUMBER: 024-674-3020
AGENT NAME: RANS. COM. GH.
OR
BANK NAME: GT BANK
ACCOUNT NAME: SAMPAH NURUDEEN
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 2151228431590
Help us secure comfortable desks for students to change the face of education.
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