Examples of VEPK Activities

Early years education seminar

In March 2010 Jane Firth, a specialist in early-years education, worked with teachers of Standard II pupils (8-9 year olds) on her fourth assignment. On her previous assignment in October 2009 Jane gave a three-day seminar for teachers of young pupils aged 5-7 from 20 primary schools. This itself was a follow-on from other workshops held in August 2007, March 2008, October 2008 and again in March 2009 for those teachers.

Jane concentrated on teaching numbers from 1 to 10 with an emphasis on ‘concrete’ items and songs. She also guided the teachers in preparing children to write, and helped them to make teaching aids from local materials. In July Jane visited and gave support to those teachers in their classrooms, and noted areas for development.

In her latest visit in March Jane's seminar looked at ways to teach 'place value', addition and subtraction with carrying, multiplication and easy fractions. Jane again visited the teachers in their classrooms and helped them to organize their teaching.

English Training

Suzanne Al Kaddah, a specialist English language trainer, visited in February 2010. Suzanne worked with teachers in their schools, and, at their request, helped them with the difficult grammar of the passive voice.

Seminar for District Education Officers & School Inspectors

In March and April 2008, two workshops were held for all the district education officers and chief inspectors of schools in the Kilimanjaro region. The aim was to create a forum for these officials to exchange and formulate views on how to improve primary education and to channel these views to a higher level in the primary education sector. These workshops were the first of their kind, and are crucial as the officials have a wealth of experience which is not being adequately tapped.

In the photo below, District Education Officers and Chief Inspectors of Schools from seven districts of Kilimanjaro attended a VEPK-sponsored workshop.

Having found facilitators from the Business School of the University of Dar es Salaam a further workshop took place in May. This looked at management communication, conflict management and performance management.

VEPK team meet Education Minister

In April 2008, Katy Allen, Dr Anne Samson and Dilly Mtui met the Minister for Education and Vocational Training, the Hon Professor Jumanne Maghembe to discuss the teaching of English in government primary schools. Katy's paper on the subject was the focus of the discussion. Professor Maghembe was very interested in Katy's recommendations and invited her to join a committee he is forming to consider the most suitable teaching materials.

Subsequently Katy met the Minister again in March 2009 and they are now working together to reintroduce some teaching materials which were successfully used in the past.

In August 2008 Katy presented a further paper, 'Primary School Teachers and the Problems Faced with Teaching the English Language', at a conference in Dar es Salaam. A copy of the paper was handed to the overall international team-leader of an initiative between UNICEF and the Tanzanian Ministry of Education for in-service teacher training, and is assisting their work.

Collaboration with Singa Chini Teacher Training College

In April 2008, a link was made with Singa Chini Teacher Training College to examine pre-service training and to propose a programme for in-service training. Tutors from the college worked with us to give training for members of three school committees (who have a function akin to school governors) in November 2008 and February 2009.

This training covered all essential aspects of their roles as committee members and gave them guidance for more effective meetings. The tutors have since visited each school to see what further support the headteachers need from their committees. The tutors have been invited to attend each school's next committee meeting. Further training will be given as necessary.

In December 2007, a second course was held for headteachers and deputy headteachers for them to acquire skills in team-building and school management.

Each school's particular needs were addressed and practical action plans were prepared by each participant. In February and March 2008, follow-up visits were made by the course trainer, Mr Lushakuzi, to the schools to assist with the implementation of plans.