West Regional Academy (WRA)

When political unrest in parts of western Cameroon caused school closures throughout the region, Plant a Seed started a tutoring center so that students could learn and practice valuable computer skills while not in school. The first class earned certificates in 2018.

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Inspired by the interest in the tutoring center, Plant a Seed is now launching an online learning program, WRA Academy. Students will complete courses online at computer centers or at home.

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WRA is currently a pilot project examining the process of creating change using online education in the lives of children ages 1-19 years old in Cameroon. This project finds ways to create a safe learning space and reduce low education rates globally, particularly in Africa. The pilot embodies a computer school, cyber cafe, and online learning activities. 

 

This pilot project assumes that, in the long run, accessible quality online schools will equip learners with the capabilities that will allow them to collaborate globally and create new businesses within their local communities. In 2021, three out of thirteen students enrolled in this project collaborated with learners from around the globe through the Pepperdine IC4 research project. IC4 global meet-up allows students to conduct research, create projects, collaborate with students locally and internally, and present their projects in the global meetup. The following link provides an overview of the IC4 project with learners from Cameroon included:

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https://stemforall2021.videohall.com/presentations/1986

 

After joining the IC4 pilot program in early April 2021, learners from Cameroon completed multiple STEM-related projects. There was a notable impact of self-efficacy on participants. They communicated confidently during global meetups, demonstrating a robust understanding of the information shared by others. Within just four months, participants had developed skills to select topics, conduct research, create presentations, and acquire basic computer skills. They also took the initiative to explore more educational and challenging topics, such as the Lake Nyos Presentation, which they presented in English and translated for Portuguese-speaking students.