Training the teachers: Assessment plan for Education project team

Teachers and district program officers of Caritas Community schools shared their challenges and learnt new approaches in multi-grade teaching in a training held on May 29 to 31 at the National Secretariat. 10 female teachers and five DPOs from four dioceses including Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore and Multan attended sessions on preparing examination papers for students, inclusive approach in teaching, center management, child protection policies, safety measures etc.

We expect to open 30 community schools this year, says Mr. Amjad Gulzar Caritas Pakistan. “You are the first batch of our Education project and thus the chosen ones. Teachers are widely respected in our society due to their important role in educating children and interaction with society,” said Mr. Amjad urging participants to share their idea for opening new centers. “Schools are still absent in many remote areas. We can use our limited resources to give a new hope to these communities. Create the concept of sharing and caring among them.”

Ms. Anila Gill National Coordinator Caritas Initiative for Education Promotion CIEP and Ms. Catherine Nixon Coordinator Non Formal Education for working and disadvantaged children project of Caritas Pakistan Multan held several group workshops. These included target area profiles, literacy rate, reasons behind school dropouts, monitoring of teachers, collective brainstorming, collaboration between students etc.

“There is a lot we can do in three hours of school time. A little attention can change a child’s life. They must know about good and bad touch. Working children are abused both psychologically and at their work place,” said Ms. Anila.
Ms. Catherine shared techniques of child centered and colorful methods of teaching. “A complete education involves transformation of 3Hs; head, heart and hands,” she said.

Mr. Aneel Mushtaq Executive Secretary Caritas Pakistan Faisalabad urged the teachers and DPOs to “play their positive role and become the change in remote areas.” Mr. Samuel Clement Executive Secretary Caritas Pakistan Multan urged them to care for others and try to be genuine. The program ended with certificate distribution.