Welcome Message
October has been a special month for Striving for Inclusion (SFI), a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate who we are. We honoured Black History Month, explored new ways to work together, and launched our Quarterly Clubs for creative and inclusive learning.
Black History Month
Throughout October, Strivers explored the stories of two influential African leaders:
- Ndaté Yalla Mbodj: the brave last queen of Waalo from Senegal who stood for freedom, protection and leadership.
- Nelson Mandela: a South African leader who taught the world about peace, equality, and forgiveness.
Our Strivers shared ideas about courage, fairness, and kindness, creating beautiful posters and artwork that celebrated African history and inclusion.
— SFI Striver
Young Leadership Spotlight
Striver Leader, 17, My First Blog
Our young Striver Leader, Mame F, published her first blog post in October. She reflected on growing up in a multicultural environment and on learning to value different cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
Striver Achiever, 14, Black History Reflection
Another inspiring young striver, Khady, wrote about her exploration of the messages from The Tree of Dreams, made by a group called Strivers Explorers. They have written about how they plan to celebrate Black History Month next year, focusing on themes of forgiveness, equality, courage, and more.
Their voices form a message of hope, calling us to celebrate Black History Month not only in October but throughout the year, through kindness, reflection and inclusion.
Their reflections remind us that young people are not only learners, but leaders, showing us every day what it truly means to strive for inclusion.
Learning Together: Our Dos and Don'ts
✓ DO:
- Be kind and helpful
- Make sure everyone feels part of the group
- Listen carefully when someone else is talking
- Help others if they are shy or need support
- Celebrate everyone's differences and strengths
✗ DON'T:
- Don't shout or hurt others
- Don't give up, ask for help
- Don't forget to use kind words
Inclusive Education Training
This month, SFI educators Mrs Deguene Niang and Mrs Coura Gueye delivered Inclusive Education Training for Senegalese teachers, focusing on supporting children with additional needs, creating inclusive classrooms, and sharing teaching tools that promote equity and participation. This training helped teachers explore ways to make learning more inclusive for all children, showing that inclusion is a global mission. We offer our humble support free of charge to educators from across Senegal through practical training sessions to accompany and strengthen the Senegalese government's vision of an inclusive and specialised education for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Staff Development: Managing Behaviour Positively
One of our team members attended a Training session on Behaviour Management. Staff explored positive strategies to communicate calmly and clearly, understand emotions behind behaviour, and encourage self-regulation and positive choices. This helps us make every SFI activity a place of safety, empathy, and growth.
Quarterly SFI Clubs
Our Quarterly Clubs help strivers and families build skills, confidence, and connection through creativity and teamwork.
📚 Folktales Club
Strivers listen to traditional stories from Africa and around the world, learning values such as bravery, honesty, and kindness, while strengthening cultural connections and improving communication, reading, and storytelling skills.
🎨 Art & Craft Club
A creative space to explore colour, texture, and imagination through drawing, painting, and crafts. Art helps Strivers express feelings and celebrate their unique cultures.
🎲 Board Games Club
Through games, strivers practice turn-taking, problem-solving, and teamwork, all while having fun and learning to handle challenges calmly.
👨👩👧 Parent Advocacy Activities
Parents participate in discussion sessions that foster confidence and practical skills to support children's learning and inclusion at home. We believe that strong partnerships between families and educators create the best outcomes for every child.
Upcoming November Activities
| Date | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8th November | International Kindness Day: Friendship & Etiquette Day | Exploring creativity and self-expression through painting and collage. Practising good manners, communication, and social confidence. |
| 18th November | Parent for Inclusion Workshop | Supporting children's independence and positive behaviour at home. |
| 29th November | Community Gathering: Folktale and Board Games Day | Sharing our Black History and Art Club projects with families. Building problem-solving, patience, and cooperation through fun play. |
Family Corner
Families can continue the SFI spirit at home by reading folktales together, creating simple art with recycled materials, and playing board games that build patience and teamwork. Discuss kindness, manners, and listening; small daily actions can build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Thank You
A huge thank you to all our learners, families, and staff for another inspiring term. Together, we continue to Strive for Inclusion, through stories, creativity, and the power of shared learning.
With warm wishes,
The SFI Team