What is the summer program?
The Summer Program is the only free, multi-faceted skills-building initiative in Anyama, providing youth aged 13–20 with continued access to education during the summer. Through reading, writing, digital literacy, and cultural exploration, students gain hands-on experience, engage with digital tools, and access opportunities beyond those found in traditional classrooms.
When youth have access to education, communities grow and economies prosper!
The Summer Program is not just an investment in youth; it is a step toward building a resilient and inclusive future where no one is left behind.
INDEED
I am committed to supporting youth!
Challenges Observed in Youth During the Program
Did You Know?
Only
40%
could read at the correct grade level
7/50
students had ever heard of coding
93%
had never attended a summer program
10%
had attended a field trip before
6/10
youth face child labor, domestic work, or substance abuse
What makes the program
The summer program is the region’s only continuous learning initiative, focusing on literacy, technology, personal development, and cultural/historical awareness—bridging educational gaps, keeping youth engaged, and preparing them for a successful return to school. By reducing the risks associated with unstructured summer months, the program ensures students stay motivated, confident, and academically ready for the year ahead.
Foundational Literacy and Language Learning
Foundational Literacy and Language Learning
Foundational literacy and language skills are strengthened through interactive reading and writing exercises in French and English. Participants engage individually and in groups through creative activities, writing workshops, reading circles, and basic English learning. These activities improve reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills, ensuring students build a strong literacy foundation for academic success and beyond.
Digital Literacy Learning
Digital Literacy Learning
In Anyama, access to the internet, digital resources, and technology education remains limited. The program introduces students to both basic and intermediate digital tools, including computer literacy, internet navigation, and coding. Participants engage in hands-on activities such as learning to use productivity software, understanding online research methods, and developing coding projects using Scratch.
Cultural and Historical Awareness
Cultural and Historical Awareness
The Summer Program is not just about literacy and digital learning; it also allows participants to connect with their history and culture. Through organized field trips, students deepen their understanding and explore their cultural heritage. By connecting with their roots in a meaningful way, participants gain a sense of belonging and develop a broader worldview, enriching their educational journey.
Personal Growth and Leadership Development
Personal Growth and Leadership Development
The program fosters personal and leadership growth through activities like engaging youth speaker talks on community involvement, discussions with local authors, and interactive games such as Jenga, Monopoly, and puzzles. These activities help develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, empowering students to build confidence and take initiative within their communities.
Achievements & Impact
The program has been running since Summer 2023, starting with an experimental cohort to refine, understand specific needs, and improve for upcoming cohorts.
100%
completion rate among the 50 participants
75%
gained experience in building coding projects using Scratch
16
writing projects focused on community issues
35+
gained introductory conversational skills in English
84%
improved reading and comprehension in French
3
museum, national park, and colonial capital visited
50
daily lunches provided to support participation
This video highlights key moments from the Summer Program, featuring participants as they reflect on their experiences—from field trips and growth in coding, literacy, and leadership, to engaging with youth leaders and local authors, and presenting their final projects from the 8-week program.
Hear directly from our Summer Program Participants
Kakagne Emanuella
This summer was a game-changer for me. I discovered a passion for technology, explored my writing skills, and formed amazing friendships. Meeting Ms. Ballo was a highlight; she is a role model for us. I am excited to apply what I have learned during the school year.
Coulibaly Dotana
The program helped me improve my English and expand my general knowledge about my country, especially through the trips we took to Banco National Park, the Adama Tounkara Museum, and the cultural and historical sites of Grand-Bassam. I can’t wait to participate in the next edition! Thank you for organizing such a fantastic program.
Sanogo Mariam
The Summer Program was very important to me because I had difficulties with reading and didn’t know how to use a computer. The program helped me improve my reading skills and made me excited to continue learning.
Cisse Daouda
I am really happy I got to participate in the summer program because it taught me a lot about basic computer skills, coding, and how to create games and animations using Scratch. This experience not only helped me improve my technology skills but also made me excited about my future, as I now want to pursue a career in computer science.
