LEARN WITH LOLONYO!
Vivean Pomell, the visionary founder of Learn with Lolonyo, is on a mission to transform the educational experience for children and educators alike.
We intend to delve into Vivean's background, the inspiration behind Learn with Lolonyo, and her vision for a more diverse future in education Learn with Lolonyo’s journey began during the challenging days of lockdown when she, as the founder of Children First Childcare, found herself unable to provide the usual childcare services As the world grappled with uncertainties, Vivean faced a dilemma: how to continue offering quality education and positive representation to children when traditional childcare was not possible.
She explained, "I realised there was a significant gap in positive representation-based educational resources,". The pivotal moment came when she struggled to find materials that resonated with the diverse identities of the children she cared for. Driven by this need and inspired by a vision of a more diverse educational landscape, Learn with Lolonyo was born Learn with Lolonyo with its registered trademark, actively conducts product testing at community events often taking place at local schools and universities as well as collaborating with businesses such as Santander and HSBC This underscores its commitment to highquality educational resources, showcasing a proactive approach to understanding diverse audience preferences.
Through these events, direct interactions provide real-time feedback, enhancing its offerings. This strategic blend of legal protection and hands-on testing reinforces its dedication to impactful positive representation-based education Vivean's background as an ex-Ofsted inspector, with over 30 years of experience in the early years sector, BA and MA in education, provided her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by both children and educators This invaluable insight became the cornerstone of Learn with Lolonyo's development, ensuring that the platform addressed the diverse needs of learners while aligning seamlessly with educational standards. Learn with Lolonyo's mantra, "From Baby Steps to Brilliance," encapsulates the essence of Vivean's philosophy It signifies a commitment to guiding children on a journey of continuous learning, starting from their earliest educational experiences and fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime
"We want children to take their initial steps in education and continue on a path of brilliance. It's about creating a positive, empowering foundation," Vivean explains Learn with Lolonyo aligns seamlessly with the National Curriculum, offering a unique blend of resources that cater to parents, teachers, and educators The platform aims to fill the gaps in representation within mainstream education, providing teaching materials that embrace diversity and positively impact learning experiences, such as workbooks, jigsaw puzzles, flashcards, storybooks, notebooks on various study methods etc. The emphasis on positive representation is a cornerstone of Learn with Lolonyo's approach. Vivean ensures diversity in educational materials by curating content that reflects a rich tapestry of identities and experiences "Representation matters because it shapes the way children perceive themselves and others," she asserts
Examples abound of how diverse teaching materials positively impact children's learning experiences Vivean shares heart-warming stories of children finding characters that look like them, sparking joy and a sense of connection. "It's about creating a sense of belonging, allowing every child to see themselves positively represented in the learning journey and making full use of these experiences,’’ Vivean recalls children to whom she offered childcare showed a preference for waiting until the white doll was available rather than playing with the black doll that reflected them
Vivean's commitment to addressing race, identity, and mental health issues in education is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Growing up in a household where her parents were foster carers, she witnessed the struggles of foster children with identity
"Observing the children my parents cared for often struggling with their identity left a lasting impression on me," Vivean reflects Additionally, her experiences unveiled observations of black boys role-playing negative stereotypes during imaginative play. A particular instance was the recurring narrative where the character perceived as the ‘naughty man’ was consistently being taken to prison These experiences fueled her determination to change the narrative and led to the inception of Learn with Lolonyo
As a mother, Vivean faced challenges in finding positive representation resources for her two daughters She recalls the scarcity of black dolls and the often derogatory portrayals of black people in books. "My experiences as a mother made me acutely aware of the need for change in the representation landscape," she shares
A strong advocate for diversity, Vivean envisions creating an educational environment that embraces differences and empowers young minds Learn with Lolonyo takes deliberate steps to ensure its products contribute to a positive and diverse educational atmosphere. The platform aims to equip educators, parents, and carers with tools that transcend traditional boundaries.
"We want to create an environment where every child feels valued and can thrive academically and emotionally," Vivean states The resources are designed to reflect the diversity of the world, fostering a sense of acceptance and understanding among young learners This will ensure that they encounter representations of themselves in the teaching resources, echoing Marian Wright Edelman's sentiments: "You can't be what you can't see."
Looking ahead, Vivean has clear aspirations for the future of Learn with Lolonyo "Our goal is to become a recognised leader in positive representation-based education," she declares The platform aims to reach more children, educators, and parents, making an impact on the educational landscape
"We want to continue expanding our offerings, collaborating with educators, and creating resources that resonate with an even broader audience," Vivean envisions. Learn with Lolonyo's role in helping to shape the educational landscape involves advocating for positive representation as a fundamental principle in education
Vivean Pomell's journey with Learn with Lolonyo is a testament to the transformative power of positive representation rooted in her personal and professional experiences and an unwavering commitment to contributing to reshaping the narrative of education.