Group inculcates cultural- based learning into teaching experience

SUPPORTED by the U. S Consulate with one Million Teachers ( 1MT) as copartner, Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative ( FCAEI) has announced a 12- month programme for 100 teachers in Oyo State, which will bring cultural- based learning into teaching experience.

Founded in 2018 by children’s book author, Polly Alakija, Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative, since its establishment, has provided modern and relevant materials for students and teachers, through training to close existing skills gap.

The U. S Consulate in Ibadan has played an important role in the year- long programme tagged, “Ibadandun project” which began with an induction to prepare 14 alumni members as mentors to shortlisted Oyo State secondary school teachers.

Similarly, the first cohort of 50 teachers participated in a series of workshops and mentor mixers, followed by the second cohort.

There are currently 50 primary and 50 secondary school teachers undergoing training and through the 1MT platform, they have access to Five Cowries online and will be supported throughout the year with supply of materials and resources. Each teacher will receive 100 sets of eight My Story Of Water Worksheets.

According to the organisers, the activities are aimed at keeping with the organisation’s goal, which is tailored to enhance the quality of Nigeria’s education through arts.

Alakija, said Ibadandun project provides an exciting output for the continuation of the organisation’s legacy, as well as passing on of relevant tools for a broad reaching and enhanced teaching experience.

She said: “At Five Cowries Arts Education, we celebrate our educators. Often unsung, an empowered educator is key to unlocking the potential of the child. We do this by bringing culturalbased learning into teaching experience by equipping educators with creative tools, which are culturally relevant.