Forty-seven teacher-librarians attend two-week digital refresher training

FORTY-SEVEN teacher-librarians from Buk Bilong Pikinini’s (BbP) library learning centres across the country travelled to Port Moresby to attend a two-week refresher digital training programme which commenced last Monday.
Representing ExxonMobil PNG (the training sponsor) was process safety officer Peter Pomeleu.
He said the company had supported BbP programmes as well as literacy week events since 2013.
“We believe in driving growth and development in any society and that is the reason why we are investing in this early childhood educators training to drive development of our children,” he said.
“Building the capacity of our teachers will go a long way to help our children at this very crucial stage in learning.”
BbP executive officer Leanne Resson said the training would include up-skilling in BbP’s early childhood education programme with topics such as: class management and behaviour strategies, inclusive education and sign language, digital learning, early childhood development, assessment, child protection, library management, phonics and more.
She said the training would also see the distribution of tablets for each of BbP’s learning centres and supported schools to assist with the delivery of BbP’s digital learning programme.
“BbP’s teachers received digital training last November and are now preparing to implement a digital learning programme for the children in the classrooms,” she said.
“The tablets will feature the BbP learning application, which includes curriculum-based learning games, audio books and stories developed, especially for PNG children.
“The tablets will also have BbP’s teaching videos and other great teaching tools.”
Resson said the emotional, social and physical development of young children had a direct effect on their overall development and on the adults they would become.
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and support to fulfil their potential,” she said.
“A child’s experience in the early years has a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right, and it provides the foundation for children to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow.
“It is therefore, important that teachers feel supported.
“This is done through quality teacher up-skilling, training and the provision of quality teaching resources.
“We are grateful for the support from ExxonMobil PNG to ensure we can continue to provide an early childhood education programme.”