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A total of 105 teachers from 20 schools took part in the training. Most of them were women (89), and 16 were men. These teachers are now better prepared to teach over 1,100 young learners in their classrooms. The main goal of the training was to help teachers move away from old ways of teaching, where children mostly listen and repeat, to new ways where children explore, ask questions, and learn by doing.
At the heart of the training was something called the 5E Model. This is a simple way to guide lessons in five steps: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate. In simple terms, it means getting children interested, letting them discover ideas, helping them understand, giving them time to practice, and finally checking what they have learned.
During the first two days, teachers learned how to use this model in their classrooms. They worked in small groups based on the age of the children they teach. Together, they created lesson plans, shared ideas, and helped each other improve.
On the third day, the training became even more exciting. Teachers learned how to create teaching materials using things they can easily find around them. For example, they used bottle tops, stones, and small boxes to teach counting and sounds. One activity involved roleplaying a shop, where teachers practiced how children can learn numbers through play.
Later, the teachers also learned about safeguarding. This means making sure every child is safe, respected, and cared for in the classroom. Because a child learns best when they feel safe and happy.
The final two days were all about practice. Every teacher got a chance to stand in front of others and teach a lesson, while the rest acted like learners. This helped them build confidence and prepare for real classrooms.
By the end of the week, five important lessons stood out. First, children learn best when they are active, not just listening. Second, simple and local materials can be powerful teaching tools. Third, safety must always come first. Fourth, practicing teaching helps teachers grow. And finally, training should not stop after one week.
To make sure the learning continues, each school will receive support from teacher coaches for one full year. These coaches will visit classrooms, guide teachers, and help them improve even more. This training was not just about teaching teachers. It was about shaping better learning experiences for children. And in Mayuge, that journey has already begun.