New Hope Oikia Learning Center: Spring 2023 Impact Report

In March, 2023, Top New Hope Church in Linkou, New Taipei City started its Oikia-backed after school program. The first cohort of New Hope Oikia Learning Center consisted of twelve G3-6 Taiwanese school-aged children from nearby Linkou communities. By the end of the spring semester, almost all of the students demonstrated improvement in English. Most importantly, we rejoice in seeing lives transformed and families coming to know God through exposure to the love and grace of the Gospel message.

Pre-Intervention English Assessment

Prior to enrolling in the spring 2023 Oikia class, all of the students were unable to write their first and last names in English. About 75% of the students were unable to correctly write A-Z. None of the students were proficient with the basic sounds of the English alphabet. About 67% of the students were unable to read or were just able to read a few three-letter words.

Post-Intervention English Assessment

On average, the attendance rate for all students was close to 90%. By the end of the spring 2023 semester, 80% of the students were able to say and write their first and last names in English, up from 0% before intervention. About 67% of the students were able to correctly write A-Z, and 83% of the students reported being familiar or proficient with the basic sounds of the English alphabet. The improvement in sound recognition translated into better vocabulary and reading outcomes as well. Students reported one to four levels of improvement in the leveled assessment. They have grown in confidence with decoding and can now independently read at their own levels.

Connection with the Local Faith Community

This semester, two members of Top New Hope Church joined the Oikia program as family counselors. Together with the head teacher, our family counselors frequently held conversations and home visits with the twelve families, forging incredible relationships based on genuine care and mutual trust. Contrary to their previous experiences with the cram schools, students reported feeling happy at an Oikia class. Students look forward to doing the digital homework assigned by the teacher and to coming to class each week.

Many of the families have not been to a church before, and almost all of the twelve families expressed positive impressions with a faith-based English program such as Oikia in promoting character development and English proficiency. A sixth grade girl enjoyed coming to Oikia and church so much that she brought her older sister along, and both of them decided to put their faith in Jesus Christ this Easter. Through Oikia, two fifth graders learned to make good friends and to stay off the street. Another family agreed to receive youth counseling from the church, and visible transformations can be seen in the child as he practices making good choices and God-honoring decisions. Another child learned to overcome her fears through praying the promises of Jesus.

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Jesus said, "I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence

of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10)

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Staff Reflection & Family Feedback

Our family counselors and head teacher reported feeling great joy to see the transformations in the lives of the children and their families. Testimonials from parents indicated reciprocal feelings. Many expressed gratitude towards Oikia staff for the growth in character and English as observed in their children.

Partnership Direction

To better support the children and their families, Top New Hope Church is looking to fully integrate the Oikia-based after school into its youth ministry.

May the Lord continue to bless His own work!

Author: Nancy Lin, Co-founder of Oikia International