Introduction
In a bid to revolutionize education in South Asia, the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) has collaborated with the South Asian Center for Teacher Development (SACTD) to offer two transformative short courses: Digital Pedagogy and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). These courses aim to equip educators with innovative teaching methodologies and promote holistic development among students. This blog post provides an overview of the progress made in implementing these courses as of April 29th, 2024.
Background
On April 1st, 2024, SACTD and MGIEP held a productive online meeting to iron out the schedule, responsibilities, and costs associated with offering the short courses. Key agreements included the adoption of a new Training of Trainers (TOT) model, scheduling of online and in-person sessions, and assignment of action points for both parties.
Progress Update
Participant Engagement: The first orientation meeting on April 25th, 2024, marked the beginning of the training process, with 30 participants from Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This meeting facilitated engagement with regional stakeholders, setting a promising tone for the courses.
Financial Assistance Proposal: SACTD has submitted a proposal to the GEM project of the World Bank, seeking financial support to cover the food and lodging expenses of local participants. This initiative aims to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Invitation to Regional Participants: SACTD has extended invitations to regional participants for the in-person component of the courses. Additionally, SACTD will cover the cost of local hospitality for these participants, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the region.
Next Steps
Continued Dialogue: SACTD will maintain dialogue with participating countries and stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of the program.
Review and Confirmation: SACTD will finalize the agenda for upcoming online induction sessions and confirm the schedule for online training sessions by the agreed-upon deadline.
Time Schedule of the Courses: Member countries are requested to nominate participants by May 15th, 2024. The in-person session is scheduled from June 11th to 13th, 2024, with airfare borne by the member country and local hospitality provided by SACTD.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors is requested to review and endorse the progress report, recognizing achievements and outlining further support or actions required for successful implementation.
By Kamal Pathmasiri, Director General, South Asia Center for Teacher Development
