Thirteen-year-old Clever wanted to learn. But each morning, before leaving for school, he was expected to complete several household chores. By the time he reached the classroom, he was often tired and found it difficult to concentrate or participate fully in lessons.

His teachers at Irerero recognized that something was standing in the way of his learning. Through Irerero’s parent education program, staff began talking with Clever’s parents about the challenges he was experiencing and the important role families play in supporting their children’s education.

“We did not fully understand how the responsibilities we gave our son at home were affecting his education,” his parents shared. “Through the discussions and support from Irerero, we learned that we also have an important role in helping our children succeed in school.”

Clever’s parents began reorganizing responsibilities at home so he would have more time and energy to prepare for school and study. The change soon became visible in the classroom. Clever began attending more consistently, participating more actively, and approaching his education with greater confidence.

“Before, I sometimes came to school already tired because I had many things to do at home,” Clever said. “It was difficult for me to concentrate in class even though I wanted to learn. Now, my parents give me more time to prepare for school and study. I attend school regularly, concentrate better in class, and I feel more confident about my education and my future.”

Now in Primary 4, Clever is demonstrating a growing interest in his studies. His teacher has noticed the difference:

“He is more attentive during lessons and participates more actively in class. The improvement in his confidence and engagement has been encouraging. He is showing greater interest in his education and benefiting from the support he now receives at home.”

The experience has also changed how Clever’s family thinks about education. His parents have committed to providing the same support to his younger siblings when they reach school age.

“We have changed how we organize responsibilities at home, and we can already see a positive change in our son,” they said. “We are committed to supporting his education and giving the same support to his younger siblings when they start school.”

Clever’s story shows what can happen when teachers and families work together to understand the circumstances affecting a child’s learning. By listening, adapting, and making education a shared priority, Clever’s family is creating an environment in which he—and, in time, his younger siblings—can participate fully in school and pursue their potential.

Sixteen-year-old Jacques has a clear vision for his future: he wants to become a doctor and use his education to care for others in his community.

Continuing his studies, however, was not always certain. Jacques’s family faced financial challenges, and the cost of school materials and other essential expenses made it difficult for him to participate fully in school.

Through Irerero’s education program, Jacques received support that helped him remain in public school and focus more fully on his studies. Alongside assistance with education-related costs and learning materials, he benefited from academic guidance and afterschool support.

Jacques responded to that opportunity with focus and determination. Since enrolling in the program in Primary 4, he has advanced to Primary 5, become more engaged in class, and steadily improved his academic performance. Today, he is the top-performing student in his class.

“I have seen a significant positive change in Jacques’ academic performance and attitude toward learning,” his teacher shared. “He is more focused on his studies, participates actively in class, and has become more confident in his abilities.”

For Jacques, education is a pathway toward serving both his family and his wider community.

“I want to continue learning, achieve my dream of becoming a medical doctor, and one day use my education to support my family and help people in my community,” he said.

He is already putting that commitment into practice. At home, Jacques helps his younger sister, who attends Irerero’s nursery school, with her homework and encourages her to take her education seriously. As his own confidence has grown, he has become a source of encouragement for someone following close behind him.

His progress has also deepened his family’s engagement in his education.

“As a parent, I am very happy to see the progress my son has made,” his parent shared. “I can see that he takes his studies more seriously and has clearer dreams for his life. Our family is very grateful for this opportunity, and we will continue to encourage and support his education.”

With encouragement at home and continued support from Irerero, Jacques is working steadily toward the future he envisions—one in which learning enables him to care for his family, serve his community, and help others pursue their own potential.