Our teacher training project is moving forward quickly with the successful wrap-up of our 2009 teacher training in Pingluo, Ningxia. Four volunteers worked with 101 teachers at 40 schools during the 6 days, potentially impacting 10,000 students.

The teachers came from neighboring districts, with two or three representatives from each school. The teaching pool also reflected the diversity of the teaching pool, from very young teachers to elderly teachers. Initially, the CAI team was concerned that the icebreaker activities may not appeal to the varied group, but almost all of the participants were eager to participate and share their experiences.

Liu Yongjiu, a physical education teacher from Tao Le Middle School said that the training was "impressive." "I learned many things that I previously did not know," she said in her feedback. "I have never received training as systematic as this, and it has definitely benefited my teaching."

 

Similarly, Shao Quanzhong, an English teacher at Tao Ran Middle School, said that the training "brought new education and teaching concepts and methods from overseas." She praised the "professional commitment and rigorous approach" of the volunteers. 

Because rural schools often lack the resources to recruit, train and retain quality teachers, teacher training is an important part of CAI's efforts to empower migrant children. Education is a critically important way to reach at-risk left-behind children in the absence of a secure home life.

Last October, we collaborated with Save the Children to pilot our teacher training course for 22 physical education teachers in Chongqing. With support, we hope to continue and expand this successful addition to CAI's ongoing work.

We want to thank the Town and Talent Technology Ltd. and the local board of education in Pingluo County for helping carry out this smooth and successful training.