EN-REACH: Training of Facilitators for Parenting Education on School Readiness

Introduction:

This study is called EN-REACH (Every Newborn – Reach up Early Education Intervention for All CHildren) aims at developing a contextually appropriate disability-inclusive school readiness package for parenting education together with central and local stakeholders and evaluate the impact of the implementation in five districts of Gandaki province in Nepal. A facilitators’ training was held in three batches from May 20-31, 2023 involving 18 to 20 participants (10 Teachers and 10 Parents) from all five districts.

Objective of training:

Train parents and teachers from representative districts as facilitators to conduct school readiness packages in their respective areas.

All three batches of trainings were chaired by central and provincial level stakeholders including senior pediatric consultants from Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences. All the sessions of the school readiness package were facilitated by trainers and developers of the package.

Session 1: Let’s get to know each other

The training program began with an introductory session, featuring various activities to foster familiarity.

Session 2: Let’s enjoy playing together

The second session concentrated on the value of play for kids and the numerous games that foster socialization and a positive learning environment.

Session 3: Let’s grow happy and healthy

The session commenced with a discussion on nutrition, hygiene practices, and child safety.

Session 4: Let’s get ready for pre-school

The session focused on practical tips and safeguarding measures for preparing preschools.

Session 5: Let’s enjoy stories

Session five focused on the importance of stories in developing reading skills, structures, characters, imagination power, and vocabulary acquisition.

Session 6: Let’s get ready to count

Session 6 focused on why counting objects should be taught at an early age and comparing quantities, numbers, and digits from 1 to 10.

Session 7: Let’s draw and write

The session focused on children’s physical and cognitive development through drawing and writing.

Session 8: Let’s talk about your child’s future schooling

This session focused on facilitating a successful transition from home to pre-primary/primary school.

Presentation of various activities conducted during overall 8 sessions.

The participants were required to demonstrate prior any session activities during the training.