Chinedum Treasure
Over 72 secondary school teachers in Anambra State have commenced a 5-day training on coding and robotics organised by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The Co-host, Engr Dozie Ekwunife who disclosed this at the opening of the workshop said the training in conjunction with Post Primary Schools Commission (PPSC) is targeted at promoting Science, Technology and Engineering Mathematics (STEM) education.
He said the participants were drawn from 35 secondary schools in Awka with requisite criteria of computer literacy, interest in STEM and mentorship of young ones.
He said, “We have about 70 teachers that registered for this Train the Trainers program for secondary school teachers in Awka zone.
“IEEE is committed to raising young ones with interest in choice of careers in STEM to enable them proffer solutions to societal challenges.
“As a result of the difficulty in teaching all students in the state, we decided to gather the teachers and empower them with the requisite knowledge and skills so they can step it down to students.
“The 5-day training will involve coding and robotics, using softwares so they can be grounded enough to mentor their students.
“After a month of mentoring, we’ll meet with the teachers again to access what they’ve done so far with their students.
“We chose two teachers from about 35 schools and the condition is that the teachers must be computer literate and must have a laptop with interest in STEM and mentoring young ones.
“This is the maiden edition. But we’ve earlier organised outreaches in schools where we trained students but with challenges of follow-up, reason we decided to train their teachers.
“We want every child to embrace STEM. We’re hoping to replicate this training in other zones and States.”
Declaring the workshop open, Secretary to the Post Primary Schools Commission (PPSC), Mrs Benedine Anagor commended the organisers for the training which she described as critical both to the teachers and students.
Anekwe, represented by Director, Science and Technology, Mrs Eucharia Ikegwuonu urged the teachers to take advantage of the opportunity to equip themselves so they could impact on the students accordingly.
“We move on by lifting others. The in-thing now is coding and robotics because of the economic benefits therein. You make a lot of money via online. Your Skills is what matters not your certificate.
“Teaching is a call. If you must teach, you must teach well. Teachers that are passionate about their jobs produce results. That’s why I’m optimistic that the selected teachers will not disappoint,” she said.
One of the participants, Obinna Nwafor from Government Technical College, Enugwu-Agidi described the opportunity to be part of the training as a privilege.
“It’s a privilege to be representing my school in this training. I have passion for ICT and with mentoring young ones. I’m optimistic that the confidence the school reposed in me wont be dashed,” he said.
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