…Engages hundreds of educators in roundtable discussion
By Matthew Denis
In a bid to set a new chapter in the Nigerian Educational system, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) in collaboration with a UK based Organization – Afrikindness UK have brainstormed measures, challenges and remedies to the Sector.
As this is also part of the lineup activities to commemorate this year Children’s Celebration holding on the 27th May, 2023.
Speaking during a virtual meeting on Saturday, the National President of NAPPS, Chief Yomi Otubela said “I want to appreciate all the participants of this inspiring educators’ training workshop being hosted by the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria in partnership with Afrikindness UK.
“Kindly note that our partnership with Afrikindness goes beyond this particular workshop programme as it will encompass other intervention programmes that will help to assist the growth and development of education and private education in particular in the country and beyond.
“As we look forward to marking the 2023 Children’s Day, I am excited to inform you that Afrikindness UK will also be offering technical support as the panel of judges to grade the essays submitted for this year’s NAPPS Children’s Day Essay Competition as its contribution towards investing in the future of the children because investing in our children is an investment in the future.
He revealed that regarding the welfare of our great educators and to ensure inclusiveness, NAPPS has concluded plans in partnership with Federal and state governments to assist interested educators to own modern and affordable houses through the intervention programme tagged ‘NAPPS Cooperative Housing Scheme’.
Chief Otubela appealed to both federal and state governments to continue to partner with NAPPS to create an enabling environment through friendly policies that will encourage private education to flourish side by side with its State institutions counterparts in the country as it is becoming more glaring that the governments alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of providing quality education to her citizens in the country.
” I assure you that NAPPS has also lined up other capacity-building programmes that are meant to expose amazing educators, supportive parents, awesome learners, and committed members.
Some of the hybrid workshops will focus on the new trends in education such as digitalization, modern parenting techniques, the use of Artificial Intelligence in learning, appropriate ways to maintain discipline among the Z generation in the school system ,and staff welfare packages.
“We encourage educators to look out for more information on this through our officers in different states, zones, and local governments of the federation and key into this laudable scheme. This affordable housing scheme will be available in all the states of the federation where we have sufficient educators that key into the NAPPS National Multipurpose Cooperative Society through the Local governments and states.”
On her part,the Chief Executive Officer of Afrikindness UK, Bunmi Owolabi said “Together, we are determined to make a lasting impact on the Nigerian education landscape, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to join forces in celebrating Children’s Day.
According to her this year’s theme for Children’s Day in Nigeria, “Investing in our future is investing in our Children,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of our partnership and the goals we aim to
achieve.
She said ” At Afrikindness, we firmly believe that investing in the education and well-being of our children is the key to securing a brighter future for Nigeria.
Through our capacity-building workshop for teachers and parents, we are taking a proactive step towards investing in our children.
“By equipping educators and caregivers with the necessary tools and techniques to foster a culture of inclusive education, we are laying a solid foundation for their growth and development. We understand the critical role that teachers and parents play in shaping the minds and hearts of children, and it is our collective
responsibility to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to create an inclusive learning environment.
Also speaking, one of the Guest Panelists, Ann Palmer pointed out some of the challenges affecting learning environment such as language of the teacher, cultural barrier, religion, logistics among others factors which can be addressed to enable effective learning atmosphere.
The highlights of the virtual programme was lectures from various educators expert as well as comments, questions from the hundreds of participants.