Carrick support for teacher training initiative

Keith Marshall, who teaches mathematics at Carrickfergus Grammar School, made the trip as part of a Stand By Me initiative.

A team made up of six teachers, a youth leader and a management consultant delivered a programme of teacher training to demonstrate active learning techniques, effective questioning, pupil participation and assessment to support learning.

The group worked in two schools during their time in Kalaymyo: Lois Christian Education Centre and Grace Christian Education Centre.

A statement from Carrickfergus Grammar School explained: “Currently, there is no teacher training available in Myanmar and teachers do not have to have attended university, although most of them have. Students normally go to university at the age of 16 and graduate at 19 with a standard of education roughly equivalent to A-level. Some of the teachers however have completed their schooling at 16 and begun teaching the next academic year at 17 because they were recognised as good pupils.

“A normal day on the trip involved observing or teaching classes until noon, delivering teacher training until 4.00pm and then visiting the Stand By Me homes in the area in the early evening.

“In this region Stand By Me has six homes where sponsored children are cared for and raised in a loving family atmosphere. Stand By Me also supports children to live at home with their families through the child sponsorship programme.

“The team were privileged to be able to visit the Stand By Me homes and spend time talking to and playing with the children who lived there.”

Carrickfergus Grammar school pupils, governors and staff provided financial support and resources totalling approximately £1500 to assist the work of the charity in the Kalaymyo region.