In Malungeni, teachers of early learners are generally not qualified or experienced. The quality of preschool education is poor and ineffective. A+ changes this with a 3-year program of hands-on, on-site workshops which empower 55 local teachers - all women - to deliver joyful, play-based learning that develops creativity and critical thinking. Also provided are parent workshops for back-up at home, and training of five Community Facilitators, to sustain the training through mentorship.
Early learning is important, but standards are low, especially in rural South Africa. 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 prepared to enter Grade One at age six and tend to lag behind in literacy and numeracy. A+ is currently running a training program for 55 teachers in Malungeni. Year one of a 3-year program has been completed very successfully, but we need funding for two more years.
A+ empowers educators to deliver quality teaching and learning, especially by using the arts to promote creativity and critical thinking. (All 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.
In Malungeni, A+ reaches 55 teachers in 30 preschools, which encompass 1100 children, and as many parents and guardians. Quality pre-schooling has long-lasting benefits in the lives of children. It also builds careers and job satisfaction for teachers - who are all women. Sustainability is ensured by development of local Community Facilitators who continue the work after the program has ended. Success will lead to similar programs in other villages where the need is also great.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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