Community Schools Teacher Training

Thursday, Heather and I (Linda) were able to go to the teacher training that teammate, Mari was conducting. She has been working with several church-run community schools to improve their effectiveness with their students. These schools have very little in terms of curriculum or supplies. They do have lots of students willing to learn and some adults who are willing to serve as teachers. Many of these teachers are volunteers and don't have much training in formal education. Teachers from four of these schools were invited to come to two weeks of training sessions that covered lesson planning, yearly planning, how to use curriculum in various subjects, classroom management techniques and specifics in certain subjects. A couple of the schools that ACTION is very involved with received their first curriculum. The teachers were so excited about the training and all said that it was extremely helpful and they are more confident teachers now.
Heather and I wanted to be a part of this and show our support to Mari's efforts. We did bring a few art projects and gave the teachers ideas. The challenge comes when they don't have supplies, so what can they make? Most of the ideas we gave were making things from toilet paper tubes and cardboard boxes. They liked the example of creating an on-going nature journal. I wish I had a photo of these very dedicated teachers but I forgot my camera.
This training was held at the Emmanuel Home and School in Kanyama. We can't go there without peeking in on the family home. Two brand new little baby boys had just arrived. We were able to help weigh them and hold them as the social worker did some paperwork. Heather played with her toddler friend, Mary, which made her happy.