Yvonne Nelson International School has introduced a new approach to early childhood education by integrating community-based project work into its KG2 graduation ceremony, with pupils as young as five identifying local problems and proposing innovative solutions.
Held at the school’s campus in Accra, the graduation event showcased projects on topics ranging from road infrastructure and traffic congestion to sanitation and waste management.
The initiative was designed to build critical thinking and public speaking skills at an early stage, aligning with the school’s 2025 theme: “Developing Innovative Solutions to Drive Lasting Change in Ghana.”
The project-based presentations were the culmination of weeks of exploration during which pupils, guided by their parents, observed their communities to identify relevant social issues.
Each child then proposed a solution and delivered a short presentation to an audience that included parents, educators, and public figures.
Speaking to Joy Learning TV, CEO of the school, Yvonne Nelson, explained the rationale behind the initiative.
“The graduates were asked to do a project, identify a problem in their community, and come up with solutions, which they presented with their parents on graduation day. We did this to help them develop their public speaking skills even though they are just 5 years old. They need to start early,” she shared.
Principal of the school, Benjamin Benedict Grant, emphasized the importance of student ownership in the learning process.
“Once they attain the milestones, it means that the requisite foundation for each stage has been properly made. The secret to our success is we allow the children to own the project and once you get them to own it, they get themselves completely immersed,” he highlighted.
He further underlined that the theme was chosen to reflect global shifts in education and development thinking:
“Globally, everyone wants change. Formerly, the emphasis was on change; now the emphasis is on sustainable change. These are the ideas that motivated us to craft our theme this way.”
One of the special guests at the event, Ghanaian actor Adjetey Anang, who presented certificates and awards to the pupils, commended the school’s innovative approach.
“In my time, we didn’t do project presentations, so seeing KG2 students do this was awesome. Some of the things we parents do not get time to do for our children because of work schedules, I see that it’s being instilled in the children here,” he acknowledged.
Parent of one of the pupils who presented on road infrastructure, with the project titled “Fix the Road, Fix Our Lives,” expressed pride in her child’s accomplishment.
“My child has been with the school since he was about eight months old. Watching him reach KG2 and deliver a project presentation was incredible. It wasn’t easy for a child so young, but he embraced the challenge and performed beautifully. I’m very proud,” she stated.
The event also showcased a variety of co-curricular activities, including dance performances, music recitals, drama skits, and a mock news broadcast.
According to Principal B, these activities complement the academic curriculum, which follows the Cambridge milestones, by promoting the development of additional “co-competencies.”
“Aside from the Cambridge curriculum milestones, we offer ballet, contemporary dance, drama club, science club, violin and piano lessons. These help children develop additional competencies,” he noted.
The ceremony attracted significant attendance from parents and notable public figures. While the performances added a lively touch to the event, the true highlight was the children’s impressive ability to clearly identify community challenges and present thoughtful solutions, reflecting the school’s dedication to fostering leadership and critical thinking from an early age.
Source: Irene Adubea Aning
ALSO READ:
