Gambian Teacher Training Program Graduation

Today we are celebrating the graduation of our teacher training program. The two-year teacher training program has come to an end and we are able to distribute certificates for the IT Basic section as well. The certificates for the pedagogical skills module were distributed a year ago.

In total, 15 teachers have participated in the training. There has been some turnover in the group due to changes in employment. The journey of teacher training has been rewarding and educational on both sides.

In Finland, we can generally rely on the functionality of telecommunications connections, but in Gambian conditions, the teacher should have a plan B, C, and D.

The language used and the instructions given must be very clear. Things should be presented both orally and in writing. It helps a lot if you can demonstrate the subject being taught or alternatively show it on video. This will stimulate discussion and make it easier to achieve a common understanding.

Effective communication is very important. In Finland, a teacher can to some extent act by "staring at the screen", but in this environment you will not get people to listen unless the communication between people is active and lively.

Overall, we teachers are also very grateful to the Rotarians for this opportunity to work with Gambian colleagues and be involved in the development of the education sector.

Social media and AI on the table

Teachers gathered today to discuss the potential of social media and artificial intelligence (AI).

Social media is already used to some extent in school communication, but systematic use to promote awareness still requires development. AI is also familiar to some extent, but its use in education is naturally still in its early stages like everywhere.

The discussions also revealed that it would be good to learn about the use of virtual servers. We will add it to the program for tomorrow.

E-learning platform saves time and money

During 2023, a materials bank in Google Classroom has been compiled to support teachers with IT training. The material is at the level of the first study modules of the Finnish basic degree.

Commitment to independent work is unfortunately a bit weak, so the material will be reviewed during the contact learning days and on the last day, skills will be tested with either multiple-choice tasks or a problem-solving task implemented as a group work. In addition, we will discuss the use of artificial intelligence in education and the use of Facebook as part of school marketing.

How to make the most of solar panels and laptops

Local Rotarians visit school today to assess the need and amount of equipment related to solar panels. Prices have risen in Gambia as elsewhere in the world, but partners are confident that all equipment will be available in the required quantity.

Both solar panels and computers will need to be considered from a security perspective when placing the equipment. Both are desirable items, so attention must be paid to locks and security. A charging cabinet is likely to be purchased for laptops, where the machines can be locked overnight. On the other hand, laptops have the advantage of a battery. Teaching can be continued even during power outages with laptops.

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve passed peacefully at our accommodation. However, celebrations in the nearby Senegambia region can be quite wild and we were even warned a little bit not to go to the area.

We had a joyful task to start the new year. We had the pleasure of delivering two footballs that were sent by Rotarian Martin Heinrich. The balls were received by the FSNG School's student council president.

Football is a very important sport in Gambia and there is a shortage of balls. One of the balls will be used by the school and the other will go to the neighborhood children.