Getting ready for a new term can be a daunting task for our teachers. But this year is a different story. Before the school year began, 64 teachers participated in a 3-day training in classroom management and teaching methodologies where they learned how to create their own schemes of work and lesson plans. They also engaged in hands-on, interactive training through role play, group discussions, team-building games, and demonstration of lessons.
Teachers during the Classroom management and teaching methodology training
The teachers were so excited by what they learned that we are already seeing it implemented in their schools! On visiting Rhoida, our Education Coordinator was told, “I am ready! I’ve been able to do lesson plans for the whole term.”
In a preschool class at Good Shepherd, there was a lot of excitement among the children as the teacher organized them in a circle and taught them how to greet one another! We look forward to seeing more positive changes in how the teachers conduct their classes and deliver their lessons.
Preschoolers learning how to greet one another at Good Shepherd
Aside from the teacher training, we also started the year with a 2-day planning workshop with directors from the new network of schools.
The workshop began with a reflection on Psalm 37:3-7, prompting inspiring thoughts about how we can plan together with God. During the workshop, schools planned for the first half of the year by creating goals and objectives they would like to achieve in education and management.
Directors reflecting on a Psalm from the Bible
At the end of the training, school directors were stunned into silence.
When asked why, they said it was because they had never experienced anything like it and were surprised by the workshop approach. In the words of Grace from Bridges Bright Academy, “This is just different, it’s so practical!” Due to the practical nature of the training, they were able to leave with action plans they can implement this school year. This is one of the small steps that will help these schools move towards sustainability.