To borrow the words of Robin Sharma, “everything is created twice, first in the mind and then in reality”.
In July, DigiLit Sparks across the EduSpots network took on the Diorama Challenge, transforming their favourite book scenes into creative 3D models.
Through hands-on projects like this, Sparks across the EduSpots network are building creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, all while connecting classroom concepts to real-life scenarios.
Sharing the impact of this challenge on learners, Catalysts, and the community as a whole is Dzidedi Yaa Maloku. Dzidedi is the DigiLit strand lead in Ekumfi Spot. She was inspired to join the EduSpots network because she strongly believes that education is a tool for transforming lives and communities.
“I wanted to contribute by supporting learners, creating opportunities for growth, and helping build a culture of knowledge-sharing. EduSpots’ vision of community-led change motivates me, and volunteering also allows me to develop valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and service.” She reflected.
Dzidedi joined the DigiLit strand as a lead because she believes strongly that reading, writing, speaking and digital literacy are very important for every learner in today’s world. She wanted to help learners gain confidence in expressing themselves and using technology as a tool for learning. In addition, she shared that, “Joining DigiLit allows me to support learners while also improving my own digital and literacy skills.”
In reaction to the challenge, Sparks (learners) were very excited to take it on and curious about the outcome of their imaginative thinking. Many of them were eager to choose their favourite stories and scenes, some felt proud to show their creativity through drawings, cutting, and using local materials such as papers, sticks, cotton, poster colour, soil, cardboards, et,c to create something tangible, while others were thrilled to work together and share ideas.
Along the way, some Sparks felt the challenge of being shy and unsure about the outcome of their diorama. They asked questions like, “Will it truly depict what we imagined in our minds?”, “Will it meet the expectations of the marking criteria?”, “Will it be good enough to compete with submissions from other Spots?”, etc. However, as they saw their stories come alive in the dioramas, their confidence grew taller and taller and taller.
One thing the Sparks loved about this challenge was seeing their imaginative scenes come to life in tangible forms. It felt like a dream come true. It sparks this confidence in them, which makes them believe for the first time that “If you can dream it, you can do it”.
On the impact of this challenge on her as a Catalyst, she said, “It helped me practice patience and teamwork as I supported them through their struggles. Most importantly, I gained confidence and joy seeing the learners engaged, motivated, and proud of their work.” A sentiment I believe is shared by most of the DigiLit strand leads across the network.
Sparks of Ekumfi Spot created a Diorama from the book “A Visit to the Grove”, with a focus on two boys wandering in the grove where their parents warned them not to go. They selected this book and scene because of the bravery of the two boys to go on an adventure in the grove. The diorama visually shows forest trees, streams, birds, two boys, an old man, the sky, etc.
Coming second after Ampatano Spot, Sparks of Ekumfi Spot were elated and proud of their achievement. This increased their confidence level and showed them that their work was valued. This motivated them to be more engaged, creative, and eager to participate in future Challenges and activities.
The DigiLit strand aims to enhance the reading, writing, and speaking skills of upper-primary learners and encourage them to use these skills to operate digital devices and communicate in an online environment.