Social Media Post #118: Stanford Uni Student Shares Her Experiences

Transformative Learning: Insights from a Stanford Intern on the Basic Concepts Programme in Cape Town

We are pleased to share the profound reflections of Ramona Greene, a Stanford University intern who completed her Engaged Learning Internship with us in Cape Town. Ramona's experience at Portavue Primary School, working with our Basic Concepts Programme (BCP), offers invaluable insights into effective educational methodologies.

Ramona candidly shares her initial apprehension and subsequent revelation: "I arrived at Portavue Primary School with an apprehension of how the BCP would be received by the learners because of my unfamiliarity with the learning style... However, as the programme would prove to me, the knowledge of a concept by the learners was not the only marker of growth that would take place through the use of the BCP sessions."

This statement underscores a core principle of BCP: fostering conceptual understanding and critical thinking far beyond mere memorization. Ramona's journey from initial skepticism to deep appreciation highlights the programme's capacity to drive holistic learner development in challenging contexts.

We believe her perspective is highly relevant for educators, policy makers, and development professionals interested in innovative approaches to early childhood and primary education.