Future Workshops
After a successful pilot project joining JGI Canada, JGI Uganda and we three independent school teachers, it is time to look forward to 2009. It is clear that there is a great need for environmental education training for Ugandan teachers and that the JGI teacher training workshops are an effective means of providing this.
The Ugandan teachers were really grateful for the opportunity to attend the workshop and receive the new teachers' manuals and posters. Although their huge class sizes and lack of resources will make it challenging to implement some of the ideas / strategies we shared, they are keen to try them out. In a country that has not previously had thematic curriculum, many teachers are now keen to try integrating environmental issues into subjects beyond science and social studies. An important step in building a culture of conservation in youth.
Some of the participants made great suggestions for future workshops. Most notably, they suggested visiting a "model school" during the workshop to witness best environmental practices. Other ideas included more involvement of school principals, longer sessions on facilitation skills so that teachers can train others back in their community, and adding discussion time for determining how to mobilize parents and villagers to join in environmental actions.
JGI Canada will soon be undertaking a selection process for choosing a new team of Canadian teachers to return to Uganda. The 2009 partnership will endeavour to hold workshops in two districts as well as provide support for the Roots and Shoots program. Fundraising will be ongoing throughout the upcoming year. It costs approximately $5000 to provide the transportation, accomodation, and training materials needed for each workshop of 30 teachers.
A sincere thank you to all who supported this pilot project through financial contributions and the donation of needed school supplies and books. The project would not be possible without this strong Canadian support. Thank you to JGI Canada, JGI Uganda, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Wild Frontiers, Gately Inn and the communities of Royal St. George's School, Toronto, University of Toronto School, and Trinity College School, Port Hope.
Emma Roche, Meg O'Mahony, and Alison Elliott
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Three Canadian teachers travel to Uganda in July 2008 as part of a Jane Goodall Institute Canada pilot project that assists in delivering environmental education training to Ugandan teachers.
1 comment:
Teachers for all over the world need an environmental awareness education I say. Actually, everyone needs them but teachers have that power to teach the children about it way better than having to teach it to older people who probably wouldn't really care that much.
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