Premium TV Network, Gambian agent for multi-choice Africa, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education recently held a two-day intensive training workshop on DSTV educational bouquet at the Regional Education Directorate in Region One.
The training which was targeted at introducing TV-based teaching and learning resources via DSTV digital satellite, was provided free to various government schools in the country to help integrate appropriate television programmes into their curriculum.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Matty Touray Jallow, the Marketing Manager of Premium TV Network, said that her company believes in community initiatives, which, she added, are essential for sustainable development.
She said that under this initiative, five schools are being provided with digital satellite technology and free access to DSTV educational bouquet, which includes eight channels on documentary and current affairs. She added that these five schools were selected by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Regional Education Directorate Region One, which includes Greater Banjul Upper Basic, Abuko Upper Basic, Charles Jow Memorial, Bakoteh Upper Basic and Latrikunda Upper Basic School.
According to her, each school has sent two teachers to participate in the training programme. She stated that the innovation was also part of contributing to the New Partnership for Africa's Development NEPAD, E- Schools initiative, among others. She admitted that the facility will help teachers and students in various ways, as the DSTV educational bouquet is rich and has various learning resources that encourage explanation and bring the subject matter to life.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the trainee from SchoolNet Nigeria, Mr. Nwodo Obinna said that SchoolNet in Nigeria, in collaboration with multi-choice Africa is doing everything possible to empower teachers to equip them with quality educational delivery.
He expressed his gratitude to the participants for being cooperative during the course of the training. But he challenged the participating teachers that the skills and knowledge acquired from the programme would be exposed to others.
He urged them to implement training programmes for their colleagues to help them on the use and integration of resources into their teaching environment. He challenged them to do all they can to utilise these resources so as to ensure that the vision of DSTV doesn't die in their hands. In his vote of thanks, Mr. Basiru Mbenga, a representative from the Regional Directorate Region One said that the importance of teaching cannot be over- emphasised.
According to him, the Ministry has started to commence E-school initiative. He challenge premium TV Network to expand the initiatives to other schools in the country. Mr. Mbenga urged teachers to make the best use of their manuals.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Vice-Principal of Charles Jow Memorial, Mrs. Sukai Sanyang commended the regional directorate for being part of the initiative. She also commended Premium TV, DSTV and the trainees from SchoolNet Nigeria for coming to help Gambian schools and students.
She assured them that the beneficiaries will make the best use of the gesture.
