In parts of Makana, teachers of young learners (1-9 years) do not have the necessary skills, and the quality of preschool and primary education is often poor. A+ will change this with a 3-year program of hands-on, on-site workshops to empower 30 local teachers in 6 schools to deliver joyful, play-based learning that develops creativity and critical thinking. The program includes parent workshops, and apprenticeship of 6 Community Facilitators to ensure lasting benefits for at least 900 children.
Early learning is important, but South African standards are low, especially in rural areas. The main problem is a poor understanding of what quality teaching looks like and how to implement it. The result is that children are not adequately prepared for higher grades and tend to lag behind in literacy and numeracy. These deficiencies apply at all educational levels, but are especially marked in the early phases of teaching and learning which are the foundations of everything that follows.
A+ empowers educators to deliver quality teaching and learning, especially by using the arts to promote creativity and critical thinking. (Most of the art activities use no-cost materials accessible to all.) We reach all schools and educators within a community, and train over a three-year period to ensure success. Training and mentoring are delivered locally, and are extended to all school staff, including principals, and to parents, thus building a local culture of quality in early education.
Makana Early Education Project (MEEP) will reach at least 30 teachers in Riebeek East and Alicedale, which will immediately benefit at least 900 children, and as many parents, and many more into the future. Quality early schooling has long-lasting benefits for children, and it builds careers for teachers. Sustainability of A+ training is ensured by local Community Facilitators after the project has ended. Success of MEEP will lead to similar programs in neighbouring communities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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