A TEACHING MOMENT

An exciting part of my work so far with CAUSE Kids has been to see some of the school construction projects that CAUSE has undertaken. I have seen many schools that CAUSE has built in the last few years, and have been part of the renovation and building of two buildings (four classrooms) at one of our CAUSE Kids schools. These projects are all very tangible and impressive to see. One day I was visiting a building that we are considering rebuilding – it is a dark, mud-brick structure with dirt floors that one of our schools is using as a classroom for grades one and two. In spite of the darkness, however, what I heard has lit my imagination. “One banana, two banana, three banana . .” was the music coming from the grade one class as the teacher led the young scholars in learning how to count. Mirroring their teacher (who also had her baby on her back), the children were full of energy and excited to engage in their learning. It struck me then that whether these children were in a cramped mud-brick classroom or under a mango tree, their teacher would be inspiring them to learn and grow. I do not cease to be similarly inspired by the teachers here who overcome so many barriers to bring the light of education to so many children (up to 100 in a classroom). I am excited to work with Canadians in continuing to provide better environments for teachers to teach in, as well as investing in them with training, quality teaching resources and the support they need to shape our future.

Pictures:
1) Our Hero Grade One Teacher
2) Teacher Training: CAUSE Kids supports teachers in obtaining professional development and upgrading their skills