EDTF SPONSORED VIRTUAL TRAINING FOR BAYELSA TEACHERS
The Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Teachers Training, Registration and Certification Board TTRCB and in partnership with Bridge Academy, USA, has commenced an intensive 6 Saturday virtual training programme for teachers, administrators and school counselors counsellors in public schools with the theme, Identifying Learning Disabilities. The move is part of efforts geared towards improving the standard of education in the State.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Executive Secretary, EDTF, Dr. (Mrs) Alice Atuwo said, the programme was aimed at employing the best ways and methods to handle the critical sector particularly, handling learners with disabilities, which she noted has suffered neglect overtime. According to her, research has also proven that, every child has the potential of greatness when giving them the required support. She further explained the training will expose teachers to new thoughts that would break learning barriers and make learning accessable to the children despite their conditions of birth. Dr, Atuwo said as educators, they have the ability to reshape the mind and future of the children maintaining that, the programme will significantly equip them with practical tools to provide inclusive and supportive learning. She expressed commended the facilitator, Mrs. Mabel Joel of Bridge Academy, USA, for her passion to contribute to the development of education in Bayelsa, her state of birth. The EDTF Executive Secretary urged the participants to actively engage in the programme to share experience as well as to work in harmony to achieve the desired objective.
In his remarks, the House Committee Chairman on Education, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Dr. Charles’ Daniel, commended the EDTF for always funding worthy programmes that would add value to the growth of education in the State. According to the State lawmaker, the teachers training programme especially for special education was very critical and should be prioritized stating that, learning disabilities were long neglected in the education sector in the entire nation. Dr. Daniel also commended Mrs. Mabel Joel for her passion, sacrifice and commitment to impact knowledge. He admonished the participants to take advantage of the training to acquire skills in order to reshape lives.
Also speaking, the Acting Chairman, TTRCB, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Peremoboere Ugolo, expressed gratitude to Mrs.Mabel Joel for partnership. Dr. Ugolo encouraged the beneficiaries of the programme to take advantage of the training to ensure all encompassing and inclusive education in Bayelsa State.
In her remarks via Zoom, the facilitator of the programme and Chief Executive of Bridge Academy, USA, Mrs. Mabel Joel said, she was overwhelmed that teachers were willing to tap from her knowledge. According to her, she is passionate about children particularly those who need extra support stressing that, the right teaching strategies can change a child learning abilities. Mrs. Joel explained that, she was a teacher and a Guidance and Counsellor, a position she has used to not only influence students, but fellow educator stating that, she has the initiatives to support both students and teachers to unlock their potentials. Mrs. Mabel urged the participants to take advantage of the training, bridge the existing gap and push for an all inclusive education system adding that, teachers have the power and vigor to transform the future of education in Bayelsa State.