Initially we began working with the head teachers (principals) of the schools that were previously involved in the UK 6th Form project. Schools where little or no extra training or support is given within the SA education system.
The work with the principals involved exploring with them the curriculum needs of the children in relation to the presented government curriculum, which did not match the school’s needs, especially in the rural townships.
Since those early days, our teacher training and school development programme has evolved and continues to change to meet the needs of the schools we support. Some of the areas we have explored are:
- Using lesson observation as a tool to support the development of teachers.
- Effective behaviour management techniques that can be used in the classroom.
- Introducing new digital learning systems and resources.
- Differentiation within the classroom.
Training around differentiation is particularly important as in rural township schools there is basically no provision for any child with special or additional needs.
Another area of significant importance has been training teachers to identify and support children with dyslexia.
Back in 2013, we introduced an online dyslexia course to the schools in one of the communities, KwaNyuswa. The course covered the cause and impact of dyslexia and offered strategies that could be employed to help those with dyslexia. The 27 teachers who completed and passed the course are now able to share their knowledge and skills within their own schools.
The international dyslexia Association in the UK was very supportive providing the online course which we have introduced to teachers in schools in other communities in the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Although we are not currently offering any teacher training, the sustainable nature of the skills learnt through this project continue to be shared and passed on to new staff members. This means that everyone (staff and pupils) continues to benefit from the crucial training we have offered over the years.
If you would like to help fund these crucial training projects, please donate here.
We are a registered UK charity raising funds to support children impacted by HIV and AIDS and rural township schools. All money raised goes directly to the projects.