From 9 to 11 May VVOB, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, organized a nation-wide workshop on organic gardening at the Regional Teacher Training Centre of Kandal. All agriculture teacher trainers for lower secondary education participated, as well as some teachers, inspection officers, college directors and central government officials. The workshop fitted well within programme objectives to make agriculture lessons more relevant, student-centred and practical, thereby improving learner motivation and reducing dropout rates. Teacher trainers had ample opportunity to put theory into practice, with activities on preparing organic fertilizer and pesticides, measuring soil pH and a session on planting techniques.
At the regional teacher trainer colleges, all students have 1 hour of agriculture per week. However, lessons have often been limited to theory and in-class activities. With organic gardens, a rice plot, a fish pond and a chicken house in place, teacher trainers can include more practical activities into their teaching. Some student teachers may be able to set up school gardens in their future schools.
During the workshop participants also discussed a number of challenges they encounter at their colleges. These include financial constraints, security issues and distribution of work. Participants looked into possibilities to generate income, for example by selling agricultural products, to pay for maintenance, seeds and equipment replacement. The workshop will be followed up by site visits in June and a refresher workshop in August.
