Centre aims to inspire teachers to aspire for greatness
25 July 2019
The Metro North Education District launched the Aspire Training and Upskilling Centre on Monday, 15 July 2019.
The centre is now officially open to showcase possible ways to effectively use the learning and teaching support material (LTSM) Grade R subsidy.
Project manager and Early Childhood Development Specialist, Zaida van der Berg, acknowledged the contributions of various individuals and organisations towards the establishment of the centre. “Partnerships were essential in the execution of the Aspire classroom.”
An independent school, Pampoenkraal, donated Grade R resources and funds to the project when the school closed its doors, and the Atlantis School of Skills contributed to the design of the centre.
Van der Berg said the centre is the actual size of a Grade R classroom and it will enable principals, teachers and other stakeholders to see the options. “The name was carefully selected because the district office must give direction for one’s hope or ambitions.”
The centre aims to:
- influence methodology (aspire to be better teachers);
- change the learning environment (aspire to have the same classrooms in the phase);
- provide play therapy and other intervention sessions (aspire to make learners feel better);
- encourage 21st century resources and thinking;
- encourage collaboration with all components and stakeholders; and
- be an official training venue for the National Curriculum Framework for children from birth to 4 years old, and Grade R practitioners.
Van der Berg thanked everyone involved in the project and said she believed that together they can make a difference and make the district a quality and caring environment for all.
