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Some of the Balozi who were installed during a ceremony in May 2011.??(C. Pitt/BGIS)

Pre-school, primary and secondary school teachers who want to be trained as Mabalozi (Africentric Ambassadors) can now sign up with the Commission for Pan-African Affairs for its upcoming workshops.

Building Our Children’s Self-Esteem Using African Heritage and Values is the theme of the training programme, which will run from April 10 to 12 and again from April 17 to 19. The sessions will be held at the Pan African Education and Media Resource Centre, Building #5, Harbour Industrial Estate, St. Michael. Those teachers who are interested in participating should immediately call the Commission at 228-8757 or email cpaabarbados@hotmail.com.

Some of the areas to be examined are: Understanding the Root Cause of Low Esteem among our Children; How to Reinforce a Sense of Identity to Build Self-Worth; How to Reflect our Children in our Choice of Teaching Material; and the Methods of Transforming your Classroom into a Crucible of Care.

The aim of this Commission-led programme in primary and secondary schools is to build African awareness among children, while mainstreaming an African and Caribbean-centred curriculum to be fully implemented through the Ministry of Education. Its ultimate goal is to reinforce the children’s sense of identity, in order to build their self-esteem and confidence and, in the long run, promote national development.

The teachers are instructed in ancient and modern African history, the African origins of civilisation, the diverse African origins of Caribbean people, as well as in African spirituality, values and social structures, among others.

The Mabalozi – Swahili for ambassadors – serve as the Commission’s official representatives in the schools.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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