Article by: John Livingstone Makanda and Winfred Magu

Photos: Winfred Magu

CEMASTEA successfully hosted a week-long training program from 2^nd to 6^th September 2024, aimed at enhancing the competencies of teachers from Rwanda’s Liquidnet Family High School @ The Agaho-Shalom Youth Village (LFHS@ASYV) and Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology (GGAST). The training focused on integrating holistic learning practices to develop well-rounded, innovative, and emotionally resilient learners. The training was themed Enhancing teachers’ competences in implementing holistic learning.

The Course Objectives were to:

1. Implement learner centered lessons that promote critical thinking and problem solving;
2. Infuse Social Emotional Learning (SEL) approach in teaching/learning to produce an all-round learner;
3. Apply appropriate knowledge and skills on mental health issues and provide psychosocial support to learners.
4. Appreciate the role of teachers in implementing holistic learner development.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Belio Kipsang, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education’s State Department for Basic Education, was represented by Mr. Yusuf Karuyu- Director Teacher Management MOE and Board Member CEMASTEA while reading the speech emphasized the importance of the initiative. He commended the longstanding partnership between Kenya and Rwanda, noting that the course reflected a shared commitment to building an education system that nurtures not only knowledge but also creativity and innovation among learners. He reiterated that education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of society and stressed that holistic learning was essential to preparing young people for the challenges of the 21^st century.

Front row left to right:  Mrs. Clotilda Murambi, Mr. John Livingstone Makanda, Ngina Kairu, Member, Board of Governors, CEMASTEA, Mrs. Stella Wayianzuvuko- Principal, LFHS@ASYV, Mr. Yusuf Karayu- Director Teacher Management, MOE and Board Member- CEMASTEA, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, HSC, CEO- CEMASTEA, Habiyambere Theophile GGAST-Deputy Principal, Mr. Patrick Kogolla Ag. Director STEM- CEMASTEA and Martin Mungai, teachers and CEMASTEA staff pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony held on September 2, 2024

The training aligned with international frameworks, including the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focused on inclusive growth and sustainable development. Dr. Kipsang explained how the program aimed to enhance teachers' pedagogical skills through learner-centered practices, incorporating components such as Social Emotional Learning (SEL), mental health, psychosocial support, and learning through play. He noted that these approaches would enable teachers to address the evolving educational needs of students.

He encouraged them to take full advantage of the training, exchange ideas, and apply the knowledge and skills gained in their respective schools. He praised CEMASTEA for its commitment to advancing teacher education across Africa, assuring the participants that they were in capable hands throughout the course.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Ms. Stella Wayianzuvuko, Admin Principal at LFHS@ASYV, noted that the week-long workshop sparked creativity among participants, which was evident in the various sessions. She encouraged the teachers to introduce activities that integrate play into learning, particularly for demystifying STEM subjects. On Gender Responsive Pedagogy, she advised them not to impose knowledge on students but to foster an inclusive approach. Lastly, she urged the participants to implement what they had learned and promote peer teaching, emphasizing their shared goal of student success.

The closing ceremony, led by CEMASTEA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jacinta L. Akatsa, HSC, marked the successful conclusion of the program. Ms. Akatsa commended the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the week. Reflecting on the central theme of holistic learning, she emphasized that it involves nurturing not just the intellect but also the body and spirit. She encouraged the teachers to continue expanding their knowledge and skills, highlighting that the competencies developed during the training would have lasting benefits for both educators and students.

Ms. Akatsa also acknowledged CEMASTEA’s strong focus on STEM education, expressing her hope that the participants would return to their schools with practical strategies for implementing holistic learning. She praised CEMASTEA's facilitators and technical staff for their role in ensuring the success of the training.

Front row Seated: Mr. Isaac Gathambiri, Mr. John Livingstone Makanda, Mr. Patrick Kogolla Ag. Director STEM- CEMASTEA, Mrs. Jacinta Akatsa, HSC, CEO CEMASTEA- Chief Guest, Habiyambere Theophile GGAST-Deputy Principal, Ms. Stella Wayianzuvuko- Principal, LFHS@ASYV, Samiah Millycent, GGAST- Rwanda, teachers and CEMASTEA staff pose for a group photo during the closing ceremony held on September 9, 2024

In her closing remarks, Ms. Akatsa lauded the teachers for their resilience and enthusiasm and expressed optimism that the collaboration between CEMASTEA and the Rwandan schools would lead to enduring improvements in educational practices. She extended her best wishes to the participants, urging them to share their experiences and insights with their schools.

The successful completion of the training reinforced the strength of cross-border partnerships in education. CEMASTEA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the professional development of teachers and enhancing the quality of education across the continent.

The sessions which were highly interactive saw the participants involved in hands on activities.

Participants engaging in various hands-on activities during the weeklong training