A different class: learning with joy.

On 5 March, UNICEF Angola, led by a.i Representative Cristina Brugiolo, hosted Her Excellency the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Angola, Henny de Vries, for a field visit to the municipality of Viana. Accompanied by the administrator of Viana, Demétrio António Brás de Sepúlveda, the entities were able to closely observe initiatives supported by UNICEF in the areas of education and child protection, reinforcing the joint commitment to ensure that every child and adolescent has access to quality education, safe environments, and the psychosocial support they need.

Primary School 5004 was the first stop, where the delegation witnessed the implementation of the Learning at the Right Age (AIC) program. UNICEF Angola relies on funding from partners such as BFA. Based on the Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) methodology. At the classroom entrance, the energy of the children and the learning dynamics that distinguish AIC from traditional methods were evident. 

The school's director, Leopoldina Cadete, enthusiastically explained that the methodology "allows the student to learn while playing, and we, teachers, play while teaching", highlighting how this approach facilitates the development of fundamental reading and numeracy skills.

The administrator of Viana also recognized the impact of the program, stressing that the AIC has been implemented in the municipality since the 2023 school year. 

So far, nine teachers have been trained, and more than 400 students are already enrolled in AIC classes, numbers that, according to the administrator, demonstrate "the effort and good work that UNICEF Angola has done in Viana".

During the visit, the administrator of Viana, the Ambassador of the Netherlands and the Acting Representative of UNICEF sat down with the children and followed the practical application of the methodology. Teacher Elisa dos Santos described how the program has allowed the inclusion of all children, especially those with difficulties in basic calculation or reading, ensuring that none is left behind. When asked what it was like to teach before the AIC, she recalled that she relied heavily on improvised materials, such as baskets and toothpicks, and a repetitive approach to multiplication tables.

Today, he said with a smile, "The children pull for us; The class is fun, and they learn by playing."

a.i Representative of UNICEF Angola Cristina Brugiolo highlighted that the strength of the methodology lies in the combination of verbal, oral and visual components, allowing for greater involvement of children and a more inclusive learning environment.

He also added that "teaching means building a new country", reinforcing the essential role of teachers in the transformation of communities.

Throughout the visit, the positive impact of a partnership between UNICEF and the Netherlands was evident. The meeting ended with a shared feeling of trust and determination to continue working so that all children, regardless of their background or level of learning, have the opportunity to grow, learn and thrive, without any being left behind.