Jumpstart! Teacher Profile – Petra
March 6, 2015
Petra has been a nursery school teacher for 3 years. She took up a K3 teaching post at St.Kizito Bidati Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre in the Nwoya District of Northern Uganda in February 2015. Petra, who is married with two children, loves her students:
“I think dealing with young children is a special gift from God. I feel I am gifted by God, because even when I didn’t have my own children, I had a real love for children. So I know I can look after my students correctly. I take good care of them because they are still young; they get scared sometimes, and need special attention so that they can grow up well.”
Thanks to Jumpstart!, Petra was recently able to complete a training course and achieve her ECD certificate:
“I have wanted to get a certificate in ECD, but the first time I was studying, I had to drop out for financial reasons. The second time I tried to gain my certificate, my mother fell sick, and I had to take care of her and give her financial assistance so I could not afford to finish my training. I didn’t think I would get another chance to get ECD training because I didn’t have any money. I am so pleased I am finally able to complete my studies!”
What has been the most significant thing you have learnt through this training course?
“I enjoyed this week so much; it really uplifted me. Before, I had no knowledge of lesson planning, and writing good timetables for the children. Now, I have gained a new style of lesson planning, and structuring the school day. I have also learnt how to handle the children, and the importance of showing them love and care; we should pay attention to each and every child in the classroom. I am confident that what I have learnt here will make me a very good teacher, because now I know what I should be doing in my classroom; this training will guide me in how I look after the children now, and how to speak to their parents to encourage them in helping their children to develop well.”
What is your greatest hope for your young students?
“I am teaching K3, I would like them to continue behaving in an orderly manner, so that they will be well prepared, and equipped to enter P3. When they progress to primary school, I hope that they won’t get disorganized, but that they will be good students. I would like to continue tracking their progress, and encourage them so that they will be good Ugandan citizens.”
We have been delighted to offer dedicated and caring teachers such as Petra the opportunity to complete ECD training. We believe that with committed and nurturing teachers, young children will be able to thrive in their nurseries; as such, it looks like Petra’s students are in very good hands!
