Samoan Dyslexia Aid Pilot Project

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Background – January 2014.

Dr. Paul Henriques with Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture Staff and Teachers, Apia, Samoa - 2014
Dr. Paul Henriques with Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture Staff and Teachers, Apia, Samoa – 2014

A member of our church’s congregation, Dr Paul Henriques, laid the foundation for this project in January 2014. A dyslexic person himself, Paul has focussed his considerable knowledge and ability to start a pilot project in Samoa, aimed at helping Samoan primary and secondary school age children, using a computer software and workbook based programme called “Steps”.

Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014
Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014
Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014
Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014

In 2014, with the support of the Peace and Social Justice Group, Paul met with the Samoan Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) to initiate the pilot project where 4 schools were chosen. Teachers and Ministry staff were trained in the Steps programme by Paul, who then monitored progress over the following year. The church, through the PSJ Fund, donated 16 computers to the 4 schools for use in teaching dyslexic students.

Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014
Steps programme in action at two of the pilot primary schools in Apia – February 2014