Training: Assuring Quality Teaching For Quality Results

As times change, so also are educational authorities adapting. For some time now, Cameroon has been implementing the competency-based approach to learning in elementary, secondary and high schools. A method which lays emphasis on the acquisition of skills and competences by learners. Laudable as the initiative is, the new trend is yet to take deep roots amongst teachers. And where it is the case, some lapses are still noticeable.

Felt Needs
It was with this context in mind that the management of Rehoboth Anglo-Saxon School Complex (nursery, primary and secondary) Mvan, Yaounde, from January 6-7, 2023 organised a workshop for its teachers. Which was also attended by other teachers, school owners, ministers of the Gospel… The workshop was facilitated by Mrs. Ali Elizabeth, a Physics teacher with Saker Baptist College, Limbe.  

Old-time Standards!
“We want to see the same quality of education we knew in secondary school; in the early days of private primary education in Bamenda. This was reflected in children’s morals, what they could do, the English they spoke, their writing ability….. Today’s children are not so eager to study. They therefore need a push to also become children of integrity and leaders of tomorrow with a passion to change and impact lives. That is the vision of our school,” explained Mrs. Kimeng Lucy Mengla, founder of Rehoboth Anglo-Saxon School Complex.

Change Begins With Teachers
According to her, for children to receive such education, the teachers have to change, be impacted in order to impact school children. “Teachers must have the passion to give to children – not just in class – but to change children’s worldview and make them eager to become better people in future. Participants in the workshop were primary and secondary school teachers, head teachers, principals, school owners, pastors, health professionals... leaders in general. We were expecting more than 40 participants, but many more turned up,” Mrs Kimeng disclosed. 

Overwhelming Participation 
“Our objective was to enable participants to become quality teachers for quality education in quality institutions in order to produce quality results,” said Mrs Ali Elizabeth. “We noticed the need for teachers to receive in-service training, especially in private schools where most of the teachers are not trained. Rehoboth Anglo-Saxon School Complex, Mvan, Yaounde, is a young school. We believe that if we set the pace for its teachers, students and pupils, it will be carried on. We want to bring up school children in an environment that is conducive for learning. This is why the theme of the workshop was “Quality teachers for quality education, institutions and results,” Mrs Ali explained. 

Quality, All Through!
According to her, schools have to be of good quality - morally, spiritually and physically. They need to be clean, and the teachers morally, mentally and psychologically prepared in order to produce school children with quality results. “We want to build teachers who will impact the lives of school children,” she underscored. 

Very Unique Workshop!
“The training was very important to me as a head teacher. I learnt how to be tolerant, to exercise restraint and not take hasty decisions. It will help me in relating with my staff. The workshop was timely. We hope that workshop participants will put the new knowledge and skills into practice and relate better with others,” said Kimeng Marcel Ndi, Head Teacher of Rehoboth Anglo-Saxon School Complex. “I have attended many other seminars before. But this one was quite different! It was not just on pedagogy, but also on  life-building skills,” Marcel said.   

All-round Useful Life Skills         
“I acquired new skills to enable me better lead and relate with my teachers,” Mrs. Ambassa Marlyse, a school owner in Yaounde, said. “As a teacher and administrator, I need to learn everyday. Anything that has to do with my job interests me. There is always something new to learn. I learnt a lot! Especially about developing life skills. Leaving from the workshop, I believe a lot of things will change in my job - how to relate with teachers, rebuke and correct teachers, and how to react to my teachers…. A lot is going to change – not only in my school – but also in my interpersonal relations in the neighbourhood, church…,” Mr Lamfu Emmanuel, the General Coordinator of KAD-NDAP Bilingual School Complex, Simbock, Yaounde, promised.

To Improve Relations With Partners
 “I am a pastor and I lead other pastors and faithful. I also teach Philosophy and Religious Studies, and I am an English language facilitator with Cambridge University. The training was for anyone anywhere in leadership position. Somehow, all of us are leaders in our families as well as being administrators. I learnt a lot on interp...