In line with the vision of Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to introduce a functional education system in the state, the State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, has commenced a Montessorri And Skills Acquisition Training Module Two, for all selected teachers from the six educational zones.
The training which is going on simultaneously in all the six educational zones of the state, has as its theme- “Enhancing Creativity and Skills Acquisition for Better Learning Outcome.”
The training had started on Tuesday, 17th October 2023 with Awka zone, at the Utility Hall, ASUBEB Headquarters, Awka, before proceeding to Akpakaogwe Primary School, Ogidi for the Ogidi zone on Wednesday 18th October and today 19th is for Onitsha Zone, holding at Sancta maria Primary School, Onitsha.
On Friday 20th, Otuocha zone will take their turn at Premier Primary School Aguleri, while Aguata zone will be at Community Primary School Ekwulobia on the 24th, as Nnewi zone will wrap up the training with its own on 25th of October, at Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi.
Declaring the training open, the Executive Chairman of ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi said the training is to equip teachers under the ASUBEB, who handle children at their formative stages of life, with the relevant skills for better learning outcome.
According to her, this is in line with the vision of Mr Governor, Prof Soludo, to avail Anambra school children education that is globally-competitive.
Dr Nwadinobi commended the vision of the governor for the total turnaround of the state education system, adding that with what is going on in the sector, Anambra will in no distant time be a shining example of how government can effectively reposition the education sector for greater effectiveness.
“I want to express our appreciation to Mr Governor for his clear vision for the state education sector. Mr. Governor had in granting free education to Anambra school, shown his genuine commitment to making education accessible to all, irrespective of social status.
“Mr Governor understands that it is only education that can bring the children of a poor man living in the hinterlands of Anambra West or Orumba South, to the same strata in the society tomorrow, with the children of a very rich man, and that’s why he is investing heavily in the public schools.
“His vision is to ensure that no Anambra child is denied quality education because he or she is from a poor home.
“Recall that Mr Governor had recruited 5000 teachers immediately he assumed office and presently, he is recruiting another 3000.
“These teachers will be deployed to the public schools to boost the quality of teaching and learning there.
“So, it is a new dawn for education in Anambra State,” she said.
Nwadinobi encouraged the participating teachers to take the lessons learned at the training seriously and ensure they impact them on their pupils and students.
Earlier in a welcome address, the ASUBEB Director, Quality Assurance, Lady Stella Ezepue explained that the training is to provide the teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to create an environment that supports the learner’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.
“It is a training of child-centered approach and result-oriented.
“Mr Governor believes knowledge must be updated and upgraded to achieve the set objectives and goals of education and for young learners to learn through active exploration and discovery rather than passive listening and memorization to meet the needs of our society.
“That’s why he introduced and sponsored this training through the Executive Chairman and the Board members to enable us observe and understand each child’s unique developmental needs, interests and learning styles,” she posited.
In a presentation on practical life exercises, a Permanent ASUBEB Board Member, also who doubles as the Chairman of the Montessori and Skills Acquisition Training Committee, Hon Ifeyinwa Anatune informed the trainees that Practical life Exercises in Montessori are purposeful activities that develop motor control (motor skills), coordination, promotes independence, concentration, increases intelligence and a sense of responsibility.
Under Skills Acquisition, some resource persons, Lady Uche Egbusi and Mrs Rose Maxwell taught the teachers how to make fancy slippers and bags as well as how to make big Gowns, boubou, Slim gowns and head scarf, while Dr. Silvia Ify Ofoedu took the teachers on various aspects of agriculture they can engage in.
The teachers were also taken through lessons on literacy and numeracy in Montessori, where they were acquainted with the benefits of Montessori education and other aspects including Phonics and Phonetics.
