The Bayelsa Educàtion Development Trust Fund (EDTF) and British Council on Monday commenced a training of 400 primary and secondary school teachers in Bayelsa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Yenagoa, Dr Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of EDTF noted that the training was in collaboration with the British acouncil and Teachers Training, Certification and Registration Board (TTRCB).

Atuwo explained that the EDTF was supporting the TTRCB, saddled with the responsibility of developing the capacity of teachers in public primary and secondary schools in Bayelsa.

According to her the TTRCB was responsible for the selection of the 400 teachers and school administrators drawn from Bayelsa public schools.

She said that the British Council offered to train 1,000 teachers in Bayelsa, out of which 200 beneficiaries have concluded the five day training in the first batch.

The second batch of 400 teachers brings the beneficiaries to 600.

“Through this collaboration, we will improve teaching methodologies, enhance leadership skills and foster a culture of innovation in our teachers and school leaders.

“The impact of our partnership has and would be significant in improved learning outcomes in increased teacher confidence; and enhanced school leadership.

“For us at the EDTF, we look forward to continuing our partnership, exploring new areas of collaboration, and expanding our reach, going forward.

“To our participants, my message is simply to urge you to listen with rapt attention, engage actively, share your experiences, and learn from one another,” Atuwo said.

Also speaking, Prof Francis Sikoki, Acting Chairman of the EDTF Board noted that capacity building of teachers who are at the center of the educational system is fundamental.

According to him, the inclusion of school leaders in the training process as leadership plays a vital role in the learning process.

Declaring the training open. Dr Dr Gentle Emelah, Commissioner of Education in Bayelsa urged the participants to see the staining as an opportunity for self development to improve their skills in teaching.

Emelah recalled that he started his career as a teacher, rising through the ranks through dedication and challenged the teachers to do likewise and prepare themselves for leadership.

He pledged that the Bayelsa government is poised to introduce technology assisted learning adding that the state government was at the verge of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft Corporation to deploy Artificial Intelligence to uplift education in Bayelsa.

In her goodwill message, Dr Stellar Ugolo, Executive Chairman, TTRCB applauded the EDTF and British Council for supporting training of teachers.

She urged the selected teachers to catch the vision in sharpening their skills to improve learning outcomes in Bayelsa.