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To download the PDF Manuals for different countries and school programs please visit www.wimafrica.org/nextgen 


WiM-Africa NextGen Gold & Diamond Discovery Club – Sierra Leone (Ages 8-13) 



An Initiative of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) 


IMPLEMENTATION MANUAL (FOR TEACHERS & VOLUNTEERS)



Target Group: Ages 8–13

Program Type: Primary School Club

Institution: Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa)


Primary School Facilitator Manual

WIM-NG-SL-PRIM-MAN_No.01_2026


Technical Lead & Author:

Dr. Comfort Asokoro Ogaji

Executive Director

Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa)


With Support From:

Priscilla Hawanatu Kamara

National Coordinator,

WiM-Africa Sierra Leone National Chapter



Upon completion of each session cycle or program phase, all required reports—including attendance records, session summaries, and supporting documentation—must be submitted through the official reporting link provided below:

👉 https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/dwBnWW 


YOUTUBE; Watch the Review Video by Dr Comfort 


SECTION 1: PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL


This manual provides step-by-step guidance for teachers and volunteers implementing the Gold & Diamond Discovery Club in primary schools across Sierra Leone.

It ensures:

• Consistency in delivery

• Age-appropriate teaching

• Alignment with WiM-Africa’s objectives

• Safe and inclusive engagement of children


SECTION 2: PROGRAM OVERVIEW

2.1 What is the Club About?

The Gold & Diamond Discovery Club introduces children to:

• Sierra Leone’s natural resources (gold & diamonds)

• Basic environmental awareness

• Leadership and teamwork

• Ethical values and responsibility

2.2 Why This Program Matters

Sierra Leone is rich in minerals, but:

• Many children grow up without understanding their value

• Girls are often excluded from early exposure

• Communities lack awareness of responsible mining

This program builds early awareness + confidence + leadership.


SECTION 3: PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The club aims to:

1. Build curiosity about natural resources

2. Introduce basic concepts of gold and diamonds

3. Promote environmental responsibility

4. Develop leadership and teamwork skills

5. Encourage equal participation of girls and boys

6. Inspire future interest in science and mining-related fields


SECTION 4: TARGET AUDIENCE

• Children aged 8–13 years

• Primary school pupils

• Mixed gender participation (minimum 50% girls encouraged)


SECTION 5: PROGRAM STRUCTURE

5.1 Duration

• 8–12 weeks (flexible)

• 1 session per week

5.2 Session Duration

• 60–90 minutes per session

5.3 Class Size

• Ideal: 20–40 students


SECTION 6: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

6.1 Teacher Coordinator

• Oversees the club in the school

• Ensures discipline and attendance

• Supports volunteers

6.2 WiM-Africa Volunteer

• Leads sessions

• Delivers activities

• Engages students

6.3 School Management

• Approves program

• Provides space and time

• Supports monitoring


SECTION 7: SESSION DELIVERY APPROACH

Key Principles

• Keep it simple and fun

• Use stories, games, and visuals

• Encourage participation

• Avoid technical language

Golden Rule

👉 If children are not engaged, learning is not happening.



SECTION 8: SESSION BREAKDOWN (CORE MODULES)


MODULE GD1: Introduction to Natural Resources

Objective: Help children understand what natural resources are

Activities:

• Ask: “What do we find in the ground?”

• Show pictures of gold, diamonds, water, trees

• Group discussion

Facilitator Script (Read/Adapt):

“Good day everyone!

Today we are going to talk about something very important—things that come from nature. These are called natural resources.

Natural resources are things we find in the ground, in water, or around us that people use to live and work. For example:

• Water is a natural resource 

• Trees are natural resources 

• Soil is a natural resource 

Can anyone tell me something they know that comes from the ground?”

(Allow responses)

“Very good! Today, we will focus on special natural resources that Sierra Leone is known for—gold and diamonds.”


MODULE GD2: What Are Gold and Diamonds?

Objective: Basic understanding

Activities:

• Show samples or pictures

• Explain simply: “Gold is used for money and jewelry”

• “Diamonds are used for beauty and tools”

Facilitator Script:

“Gold and diamonds are special materials that come from deep inside the earth.

Gold is a yellow metal. People use it to make:

• Jewelry like rings and necklaces 

• Money and valuable items 

Diamonds are very strong stones. They are used for:

• Jewelry 

• Cutting tools 

These materials are very valuable, which means people pay a lot of money for them.

Sierra Leone is blessed because we have both gold and diamonds in our country.

Can anyone tell me where they have seen gold or diamonds before?”


MODULE GD3: Where Do Minerals Come From?

Objective: Origin of minerals

Activities:

• Simple explanation: “They come from inside the earth”

• Drawing activity: Earth layers

Facilitator Script:

“Gold and diamonds do not grow like plants. They are formed deep inside the earth over many years.

Imagine the earth like a big ball with layers:

• The top is where we live 

• Below it are rocks and minerals 

• Miners dig into the ground to find gold and diamonds.

Let’s draw the earth together!”

(Guide simple drawing activity)

“Who can tell me what is inside the earth?”


MODULE GD4: People in Mining

Objective: Introduce roles

Activities:

• Talk about miners, traders, engineers

• Role-play exercise

Facilitator Script:

“Many people work in the mining sector.

Some of them are:

• Miners who dig for minerals 

• Traders who buy and sell gold and diamonds 

• Engineers who plan mining operations 

Mining is not just digging—it is also business, science, and teamwork.

Let’s do a small role play:

Who wants to be a miner? A trader? An engineer?”

(Assign roles and act out simple scenario)


MODULE GD5: Women in Mining

Objective: Gender inclusion

Activities:

• Share stories of women

• Encourage girls to speak

Facilitator Script:

“In many places, people think mining is only for men. But that is not true.

Women can:

• Work in mining 

• Trade gold and diamonds 

• Lead businesses 

Women are strong and capable.

Girls here today—this is also for you.

We want a future where:

👉 Women are leaders

👉 Women own businesses

👉 Women are respected in mining

Can the girls raise their hands? You are future leaders.”


MODULE GD6: Environmental Awareness

Objective: Responsibility

Activities:

• What happens if land is damaged?

• Tree planting discussion

• Clean-up activity

Facilitator Script:

“When people mine without care, it can damage the environment.

For example:

• Land can be destroyed 

• Water can become dirty 

• Trees can be cut down 

• We must protect our environment.

Good mining means:

• Filling holes after digging 

• Keeping water clean 

• Protecting nature 

Let’s think:

What can we do to protect our environment?”

(Allow responses)


MODULE GD7: Safety and Responsibility

Objective: Basic safety awareness

Activities:

• What is safe vs unsafe

• Group discussion

Facilitator Script:

“Mining can be dangerous if people are not careful.

Some dangers include:

• Falling into pits 

• Injuries 

• Unsafe working conditions 

• That is why safety is very important.

Safe practices include:

• Using proper tools 

• Avoiding dangerous areas 

• Following rules 

Let’s play a game:

I will say something—tell me if it is SAFE or NOT SAFE.”


MODULE GD8: Leadership & Teamwork

Objective: Build soft skills

Activities:

• Group games

• Leadership roles

Facilitator Script:

“Leadership means helping others and guiding a group.

A good leader:

• Listens to others 

• Is fair 

• Helps solve problems 

• Teamwork means working together.

Let’s do a group activity where you solve a problem together.”

(Simple group task)

“Who showed leadership today?”


MODULE GD9: Community and Values

Objective: Ethics

Activities:

• Honesty

• Sharing

• Respect

Facilitator Script:

“In life, values are very important.

Values include:

• Honesty 

• Respect 

• Kindness 

In mining and business, people must be honest.

If people cheat or lie, it causes problems.

Let’s talk:

Why is honesty important?”


MODULE GD10: Wrap-Up & Showcase

Objective: Reinforcement

Activities:

• Presentation

• Certificates

• Group reflection

Facilitator Script:

“Today, we celebrate what we have learned.

You have learned about:

• Gold and diamonds 

• Environment 

• Leadership 

• Responsibility 

You are now part of a new generation that understands your country better.

Who wants to share one thing they learned?”

(Allow sharing)

“Very good. You are future leaders of Sierra Leone.”


SECTION 9: TEACHING METHODS

Use:

• Storytelling

• Drawing

• Group discussion

• Role play

• Games

Avoid:

• Long lectures

• Technical explanations


SECTION 10: MONITORING & EVALUATION

Track:

• Attendance

• Participation

• Gender balance

• Engagement level

10.1 Simple Tools:

• Attendance sheet (to be completed during each session) 

• Feedback questions: 

o “What did you learn today?” 

o “What did you enjoy?” 

👉 Facilitators are required to take clear photos (snapshots) of attendance sheets and feedback records after each session and upload them via the designated monitoring form link provided by WiM-Africa. https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/dwBnWW 


SECTION 11: SAFEGUARDING & CHILD PROTECTION

All facilitators must:

• Treat children with respect

• Avoid inappropriate language or behavior

• Ensure safe learning environment

• Never be alone with a child in isolation


SECTION 12: MATERIALS REQUIRED

• Flip charts

• Markers

• Printed pictures

• Notebooks

• Simple props


SECTION 13: CODE OF CONDUCT (FACILITATORS)

• Be patient

• Be respectful

• Encourage all children equally

• Avoid favoritism

• Promote inclusion


SECTION 14: SUCCESS INDICATORS

Program is successful if:

• Children understand basic concepts

• Girls actively participate

• Students show confidence

• Teachers are engaged


SECTION 15: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Each school should submit:

• Attendance records

• Session summary

• Photos (if allowed)

• Challenges and recommendations


SECTION 16: LINK TO WIМ-AFRICA STRATEGY

This program contributes to:

Strategic Focus Areas

• Coalition & Capacity Building

• Economic Empowerment

7 Point Program Agenda (7PPAs)

• NextGen WiM

• ESG & Climate Awareness

• Research & Data


SECTION 17: IMPLEMENTATION CHECKLIST

Before starting: ✔ School approval ✔ Teacher assigned ✔ Volunteers trained ✔ Materials ready

During: ✔ Attendance taken ✔ Activities delivered ✔ Engagement ensured

After: ✔ Report submitted ✔ Feedback collected


SECTION 19: IMPLEMENTATION MODEL

19.1 Per School Delivery Model

Each school will establish a Gold & Diamond Discovery Club, led by a Teacher Coordinator and supported by WiM-Africa volunteers.

• Duration: 8–12 weeks (Per Term)

• Frequency: 1 session per week (60–90 minutes) 

• Participants: 20–40 pupils 

• Approach: Interactive, activity-based delivery using Modules 1–10 

• Gender Target: Minimum 50% girls 

19.2 Human Resource Requirements

• 1 Teacher Coordinator (School-based) 

• 2–3 WiM-Africa Volunteers (Session delivery) 

Ratio: 1 Coordinator : 2–3 Volunteers : 20–40 Students


Conclusion & Submission Instruction

This manual provides a structured and practical framework for the effective implementation of the WiM-Africa Gold & Diamond Discovery Club across primary schools in Sierra Leone. All facilitators are expected to adhere to the guidance provided to ensure consistency, quality delivery, and measurable impact.


Upon completion of each session cycle or program phase, all required reports—including attendance records, session summaries, and supporting documentation—must be submitted through the official reporting link provided below:

👉 https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/dwBnWW 


Timely and accurate reporting is essential for monitoring progress, evaluating impact, and supporting program scale-up across the country.





CONCEPT NOTE


Gold & Diamond Discovery Club


An Initiative of WiM-Africa NextGen (Ages 8–12)


WIM-PI-NYL-7PPA5-CN-PRIM-01-2026

3 March 2026


1. Background and Rationale

Sierra Leone is richly endowed with natural resources, particularly gold and diamonds, which play a significant role in national development. However, awareness about responsible resource management, environmental protection, and ethical leadership must begin early in life.


Children between the ages of 8–12 are at a critical stage of curiosity, value formation, and character development. Introducing age-appropriate knowledge about natural resources, environmental stewardship, and leadership helps shape responsible future citizens.


The Gold & Diamond Discovery Club, established under the WiM-Africa NextGen Initiative, is designed to provide primary school pupils with a safe, educational, and inspiring platform to learn about Sierra Leone’s natural resources while developing leadership and teamwork skills.


2. Goal

To nurture informed, confident, and environmentally responsible young learners who understand the value of natural resources and their role in national development.


3. Objectives

1. To introduce pupils to basic knowledge about gold, diamonds, and natural resources in a child-friendly way.

2. To promote environmental awareness and responsibility.

3. To encourage leadership, teamwork, and confidence-building among pupils.

4. To inspire curiosity in science, creativity, and community service.

5. To create a positive space for both girls and boys to develop equally.


4. Target Group

• Primary school pupils aged 8–12

• Both girls and boys

• Selected teacher coordinators


5. Key Activities

The Club will operate as an extracurricular activity with simple, interactive sessions such as:

• Storytelling about how gold and diamonds are formed

• Basic environmental care lessons (protecting rivers, trees, and land)

• Leadership games and teamwork activities

• Drawing, art, and creative expression on “My Precious Earth”

• Short talks on honesty, responsibility, and community values

• Occasional guest visits (where feasible)

All activities will be age-appropriate and designed not to interfere with academic schedules.


6. Implementation Structure

• One or two teachers will serve as Club Coordinators.

• Meetings may be held once or twice per month.

• WiM-Africa Sierra Leone Chapter will provide guidance materials and orientation support.

• The Club will function as a school-based initiative under WiM-Africa NextGen.


7. Expected Outcomes

Short-Term Outcomes:

• Increased curiosity about natural resources and science.

• Improved confidence and teamwork among pupils.

• Greater awareness of environmental protection.

Long-Term Impact:

• Development of responsible and ethical future leaders.

• Early inspiration for interest in science and leadership pathways.

• Foundation for progression into secondary-level NextGen programs.


8. Sustainability

The Club will be coordinated within the school system, ensuring continuity beyond initial launch. As pupils graduate to secondary school, they may transition into more advanced WiM-Africa NextGen leadership programs.


9. Conclusion

The Gold & Diamond Discovery Club provides a simple yet powerful opportunity to nurture leadership, responsibility, and environmental awareness among young learners in Sierra Leone.


We lay the foundation for a future generation that values integrity, protects the environment, and understands the importance of responsible resource development.


For Partnership; secretariat@wimafrica.org


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