Rotary looking for teachers for African tech project A vocational training team from Rotary clubs in British Columbia will visit Kenyan schools and induct tech-based skill sets to local teachers and principals to enhance classroom education.

Local teachers in British Columbia (Canada) with vocational training are being sought for an upcoming Rotary Foundation initiative in Kenya.

Tsawwassen Rotarian John Anderson has been selected as chair of the District 5040 vocational training team committee.

Vocational training teams are groups of professionals who travel abroad either to teach about a particular field or to learn more about their own, using funds from the Rotary Foundation.

Activities vary from one team to the next, but could include training medical professionals on cardiac surgery and care, sharing best practices on early childhood education or explaining new irrigation techniques to farmers.

A successful team increases the capacity of the host community to solve problems and improve the quality of life.

While computer and internet technology has come to rural areas of Kenya, teachers in British Columbia (Canada) experienced in teaching with technology are needed for hands-on help.

From March 18 to 29, 2019, a team will visit Kenya to support local teachers in learning how to apply the new technology in the classroom.

Anderson said six middle and secondary school teachers who are experienced in using technology in the classroom, and a Rotarian leader, are being recruited.

Those eligible are teachers in communities served by Rotary District 5040 – most communities in Metro Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Prince George and others — who have at least two years of classroom experience at the middle or secondary grade levels and who integrate technology into their everyday teaching across a variety of subject areas.

They must be comfortable leading workshops, demonstrating techniques, providing assistance and sharing their knowledge in a supportive manner.

“Teachers we are seeking for this team will represent a variety of subject specialties to provide support to teachers from the Kenyan secondary schools through information exchange sessions and workshops at the Kenya Connect Learning Resource Centre and at the participating schools,” said Anderson.

“We are seeking those familiar with skills needed to build 21st century teaching techniques and those who are flexible, eager to learn themselves, able to work in different cultural settings and willing to follow the requirements of working in a group setting.”

After the visit to Kenya the project then calls for six teachers/principals from the Kenyan schools, and Kenya Connect field staff, to come to British Columbia next spring to visit schools and learn new techniques.

At the end of the Kenyan teachers’ tour all 12 educators involved would attend the Rotary District 5040 Conference in Sun Peaks on May 3 to report on the project.

Applications, addressed to the club president, should include a current resume, and a statement of why you are interested and what you would be able to contribute.

For more details or how and where to apply, contact Anderson at johnlanderson@telus.net or 604-948 2944. Applications must be received by Sept 30.

Source: Delta Optimist