Workshop for preschool teachers

THE early-childhood development programme of the City of Windhoek last week presented a workshop for 36 preschool teachers from the city’s informal settlements.

They attended the workshop free of charge, as it is part of the municipality’s community upliftment programme. The teachers learned about the importance of music, drama, fantasy play and creative development in preschool education.They also learned how to turn everyday items into toys and teaching aids.Clara Baitsewe from the Vision Life day-care centre said she thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and felt that it would benefit the children in her care.”The presenters of the workshop were excellent and they will see the result of their teachings later in the children,” she said.The women also realised that working at a preschool is not just a way of earning money, but that they have a responsibility towards the children and must teach them to the best of their ability.Jambo Shipanga, community development officer of the City of Windhoek, said the response to the workshop was overwhelming and because most of the women had no formal training, workshops of this kind were important for community development.Another workshop will be held later this year.The teachers learned about the importance of music, drama, fantasy play and creative development in preschool education.They also learned how to turn everyday items into toys and teaching aids.Clara Baitsewe from the Vision Life day-care centre said she thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and felt that it would benefit the children in her care.”The presenters of the workshop were excellent and they will see the result of their teachings later in the children,” she said.The women also realised that working at a preschool is not just a way of earning money, but that they have a responsibility towards the children and must teach them to the best of their ability.Jambo Shipanga, community development officer of the City of Windhoek, said the response to the workshop was overwhelming and because most of the women had no formal training, workshops of this kind were important for community development.Another workshop will be held later this year.