09.20.2010

September 20, 2010: USAID works in partnership with the Ministry of Preschool and Primary Education to improve the performance of primary school teachers.

The training lasted three weeks and benefited 125 instructors of five teacher training colleges (ENIs). One of the training two main objectives is to strengthen the capacity of trainers of 100 pilot schools who serve as education consultants or supervisors of primary school teachers.

"With this initiative your government offers you a valuable opportunity to train schools teachers to become more motivated, inspired and effective” said Knight.

The training uses a training manual developed with the support of USAID and produced in partnership with the Ministry of Primary Education and national and international experts. The manual emphasizes the approach by competence and participatory pedagogy centered on the child, an approach being introduced in primary schools in Benin.

James Knight, U.S. Ambassador to Benin, and Chabi Zechariah, Minister of Pre and Primary Schools, presided at the opening of the training workshop for trainers of the ENIs. Also in attendance were Mr. Scott Stofel, Acting Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and Mr. Stefan McLetchie, Chief of Party, representing the Education Development Center.