A Team of experts in Physical Education (P.E) from the United States of America is in the country to conduct a comprehensive training programme of capacity building of physical education and sport teachers in Zambian schools.
The team, from supportREALteachers.org, (SRT) has come at the invitation of Physical Education and Sport Teacher’s Association of Zambia (PESTAZ).
SRT is currently holding a workshop at the Olympic Youth Development Center (OYDC) in Lusaka with participants drawn from all the 10 provinces of the country.
The initiative is aimed at equipping physical education teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality physical education to learners in both primary and secondary schools.
Speaking at the official opening of the workshop, Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima said his Ministry is elated with the initiative undertaken by PESTAZ in partnering with SRT to give birth to professional development of physical education and sports teachers.
The teachers to be trained are expected to have a far-reaching and lasting impact on the teaching of the subject.
Hon. Syakalima pointed out that the initiative will cover newly developed standards and grade-span learning indicators, providing a structured framework for quality physical education in schools, within the provisions of the prescribed Zambian curriculum for consistent and high-quality teaching approaches and methodologies.
The Minister said, “The national impact of this initiative cannot be overstated. The trainers equipped through this programme will be able to provide professional learning opportunities for other physical education teachers in their respective provinces thereby creating a sustainable model for ongoing professional development.”
And delegation leader, Dr. Collin Brooks said the mission of SRT is to challenge physical education programmes to be a part of the solution to the problem of physical inactivity in society.
He added that his organization advocates for quality physical education to be taught by REAL physical education teachers in order to help ALL students develop skills, knowledge, and the desire needed to become physically active now and for the rest of their lives.
“Our aim is to build capacity of physical education and sport teachers in Zambian schools by enhancing their quality with modern comprehensive skills and we are starting with 65 physical education teachers.” Dr. Brooks said.
And PESTAZ president Maybin Sia me said his organization is happy to collaborate with SRT.
He added that physical education plays an important role in the development of children and fosters team work and discipline. #meducommunications
