The Karene District Education Office conducted a three-day training workshop from May 8-10, 2024, at Kamawonie Pre School, Sella Limba Chiefdom, Karene District. This training targeted preschool educators, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage young children (ages 3-5) in play-based learning using locally available, low-cost resources. This training was made possible by the generous support of Ubuntu For Humanity.

  The training aimed to:

• Assess educators' pre- and post-training knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
• Enhance understanding of early childhood brain development.
• Develop skills to support various domains of child development.
• Promote the use of local learning materials.
• Highlight the importance of picture books in early literacy.
• Foster positive guidance and conflict resolution among children.
• Encourage language development through songs, rhymes, and storytelling.
• Involve parents and the community in preschool activities.
• Demonstrate practical ways to follow the child's lead in learning activities.

Day 1 included an introduction to early childhood development and brain development, a discussion on developmental domains: social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical, hands-on activities with local learning materials, and a presentation on positive and negative community practices affecting child development.

Day 2 included the integration of numeracy and literacy goals in preschool routines, organization of classroom environments to promote safety and exploration, Emphasis on positive behavior guidance over punishment, and Practical demonstrations of daily preschool activities.

Day 3 included focusing on early literacy and the role of picture books, group activities on identifying local learning materials and their educational uses, discussion on health and safety practices in preschool settings, and strategies for involving families and the community in preschool education.

The training was successful in building the capacity of preschool educators in Karene District. Participants showed a high level of engagement and commitment, and the training significantly enhanced their ability to support early childhood development.  Photos from the training can be seen in this photo album.