Voluntary Service Overseas Trains 60 Teachers on Building Foundation Through Technology

In a collaborative effort with key education stakeholders, Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) recently concluded a three-day training program for 60 primary school teachers in Pujehun District. The initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to human capital development and technological advancement.

The training, held at the Pujehun District Council Conference Hall, brought together representatives from the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, the Teaching Service Commission, Pujehun District Council, and teachers from 16 primary schools. Emmanuel Fallahfocko, the Health Head Project Officer of VSO, shared that the focus was on empowering teachers with digital education technology skills to enhance their classroom delivery.

Fallahfocko emphasized the project’s goal of improving early-grade learners’ literacy and numeracy skills. The first cohort of teachers, selected from 16 primary schools, received training to build their confidence in teaching digital education. The initiative also includes providing tablets to pupils, equipped with apps aligned with the current curriculum.

The Building Foundation Through Technology project aims to support 32 primary schools in Pujehun District over three years. To ensure sustainability, VSO plans to supply solar panels for charging, inverters, and projectors for effective use of the technology.

Expressing gratitude, Nerissa Aminata Mallah, a beneficiary teacher from Every Nation Academy Primary School, highlighted the importance of timely training in introducing modern teaching methods. She praised VSO for prioritizing technology, particularly for Classes one to three, emphasizing improvements in literacy and numeracy.

Head Teacher Abdul Karim Sesay from National Islamic Primary School echoed appreciation for VSO and expressed optimism that the project would leave no pupil behind. The initiative, supported by the HEMPEL Foundation as a funding donor, aligns with VSO’s broader vision to integrate Sierra Leone into the global village through technology and innovation.