Teachers input essential in resource development
A one-day workshop for teachers was conducted in Savusavu yesterday (Wednesday) to review and seek the input of teachers in the development of learning resources about Parliament.
The workshop ensures relevant educational materials is made available to assist teaching and learning in classrooms around Fiji and at the same time increases awareness on the functions and works of Parliament.
Acting Secretary-General to Parliament Mrs. Viniana Namosimalua said that these programs ensure that the members of the public are aware of how their Parliament works and most importantly enables students to grasp and appreciate the concepts through the use of relevant resources issued to them.
“The coverage of Parliamentary topics in the school curriculum is something we take seriously. We have worked with the Ministry of Education over the years to ensure learning resources we produce are relevant and aligned to national curriculum Key Learning Achievement’s,” she said.
“These workshops will ensure teachers review the materials we have produced so far, and also for teachers to have an input in the these resources they require in the classrooms.
“Parliament education and awareness is crucial and through our Community Engagement Strategy, we also reach out to communities to ensure that Fijians have a basic understanding about their Parliament and how they can be actively involved.”
Meanwhile, 22 teachers from around Savusavu and Taveuni attended the workshop. Most of the teachers participating found the workshop educational and also appreciated their voice being heard in the resource development by Parliament.
“The workshop was very resourceful and the knowledge and materials presented and distributed would really assist us in the classroom. This is a boost. We often hear and watch Parliament on TV, but this is reality brought closer to us which is something that will assist us in imparting the same knowledge to our students,” said Mrs Peniana Pickering, the Head Teacher of Qalitu District School
“We also appreciate the fact that we are consulted in the development and review of the current resources about Parliament. Our voice is heard and we openly shared our views as teachers on how the resources could be tailor made to suit different levels of students in schools,” added Mrs Pickering
Another similar workshop will be held in Lautoka tomorrow (Friday) for teachers in the Western Division.
The workshop was supported by the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Fiji Parliament Support Project which is funded by the Governments of Australia, Japan and New Zealand.
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