2023 Session 6: Visitation of parents of participants

• Itsekiri NextGen Project: 2023 Session 6 Report
• Topic: Visitation of parents of participants 
• Date: Saturday 18th February 2023
• Volunteers Present: 5
• Total Number of Attendees: 
• Timings: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Venue: Former Caravan 4, Aja-Pessu (Pessu Community), Warri
• Resource Person: Itsekiri NextGen team

Summary of the Visitation

While drafting the 2023 first-quarter plan for Itsekiri NextGen, we thought it wise to set aside the 6th session to visit the parents of our participants. This was to help us gather feedback directly from the parents on how the project has imparted their wards thus far and possible suggestions on ways we can improve.

Session Delivery

With the hitch of the non-availability of the Naira note, the Itsekiri NextGen team were not deterred from going for this unique session.

Some participants weren’t aware that the session was mainly for visitation as they were seen arranging the hall for the session. 

When it was time to set out for the visitation, the attention of all the participants was called. They were addressed by the coordinator on the purpose of the visitation. Some participants were excited that the volunteers will be visiting them while a few weren’t comfortable with the idea because they wouldn’t want their parents to tell the volunteers how they behave. 

Group 1 

The participants were grouped into three according to their route. Uwala Tedeye went with those living around Victory Avenue – Sido – Ogedegbe down to Merogun. The parents were happy about the visit. They appreciated the good work of the Itsekiri NextGen team. 

A parent complained of her daughter not coming back home with a lot of written notes. Our team responded that we prefer the participants to fully participate in the sessions as we are not a school and our materials are not note-heavy but more focused on having engaging discussions with the participants. This way, they can help improve the confidence of the participants, promote good learning habits and consolidate key learning skills. 

Another parent said the programme has made her ward more creative as she won’t stop designing things with used papers and cartons. The girl made beautiful Valentine cards for the parents and teacher. She also doesn’t see any task as impossible as she is bold and confident. These are attributes and skills she developed as a participant in the Itsekiri NextGen project.

Group 2

Emmanuel Fregene, Eworitsemogha Wyse and Omatsola Okpeyeaghan went with those residing around James Street, and they were warmly welcomed. They appreciated the good works of those behind the Itsekiri NextGen project and want the good work to be sustained.  

A parent informed our team that she is struggling with paying for her daughter’s Primary Six School leaving certificate examination and the due date is around the corner. Though she thought she would have paid up by now, the economy is hitting hard on her. This was later referred to our Steering Committee for action following which they paid for the registration.  

Another parent complained of her daughter refusing to do house chores and homework unless she is compelled to. She just wants to sit and watch movies. The parent beckoned on the volunteers to help advise her. 

Group 3

Jolomi Tedeye and Itse Mirabel Ukubeyinje went with those residing at Pessu market road. 

The parents showered them with praise as they could see the positive improvement in the life of their wards. 

A parent would want dictation as well as reading and writing to be included in the programme. Some parents complained that their children are too playful and refused to do house chores though they might look quiet at the programme. They want the Itsekiri NextGen team to teach them to be well-behaved.

The major complaint from the parents is about the Itsekiri language. They prefer the language to be taught often in the programme.

Summary of Feedback

It was a wonderful experience getting to meet the parents and the volunteers definitely enjoyed the time spent with the parents. The participants were excited to have the team at their residences. The overall feedback from the parents was one of admiration for the work being done by the team and thanking them for all the hard work. 

In addition, the team has noted the additional requests made by the parents and would be taking integrating them into the next quarter’s plan. 

What went wrong 

• The volunteers came in a bit late due to the non-availability of Naira notes.