By Adesina Wahab

To equip teachers with the right tools and strategies to support their learners in the ever-changing world, a one-day training programme has been organised by the Crescent Bearers 1939 in collaboration with Lagos State Government.

The six career-defining sessions for the teachers’ conference was held at Lekki Estate Muslim Schools, Lagos, with over 137 teachers drawn from schools across Lagos State present and it was facilitated by Brainy Oaks Educational and Professional Consultants with the theme: “Future-Focused Education: Leading 21st Century Learners”, snd was targeted at Muslim educators with the objectives of appreciating the changing landscape of education across Africa and in Nigeria specifically as well as explore the use of technology in modern-day learning environments.

In his welcome address, Chairman, Education Committee of Crescent Bearers, ‘Kemi Pinheiro, representing the Chairman Crescent Bearer 1939, stated that the objective of the eighty-five-year-old non-profit and non-governmental organization. 

“Crescent Bearers (1939), in its excellent track-record remains the generous, but purposeful, annual donations to hospitals, orphanages, schools, in addition to undertaking infrastructure refurbishments in several schools, Islamic centres, to mention but a few.”

Pinheiro also mentioned that under the Chairman, Bearer Dele Martins, it is the vision and objective to routinely sponsor and train teachers across Islamic institutions of learning by organizing seminars and workshops geared towards introducing modules on professionalism, etiquettes, effective communication and others into the teaching practices of teachers with the aim of providing expert guidance and innovative solutions such as the  conference.

The conference that was also attended by Vice Chair, Education Committee, Bearer Wahid Oshodi and Exco members, Bearers Jaji, Niji Kazeem, and Segun Williams featured series of engaging and interactive sessions on ‘Becoming an Intentional Educator,’ ‘Safeguarding and Child Protection (Panel Discussion and Expert Presentation,’ ‘Professional Standards for 21st Century Teachers,’ ‘Integrating Technology in Classroom Activities 1 & 2,’ ‘Developing Effective Lessons and Learning Activities (Breakout Sessions). 

The sessions were facilitated by exemplary models, educators and guests including but not limited to Lola Vivour Adeniyi from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice; Mrs. Oyinkan Afolabi, Mr. Jamiu O. Mustafa, Shakirat Olajobi, Dr. Joy Isa, Mrs. Doyin Jawando Adebomehin, Ms. Uzoma Uduma and Ms. Veronica Mordi.

According to the Founder/Lead Facilitator ; Brainy Oaks Education Consultants, Mrs Oyinkan Afolabi, the topics were carefully selected to meet the modern day challenges for educators.

“With careful attention to detail, we meticulously curated every aspect of the event, from selecting pertinent topics and esteemed facilitators to coordinating panelists. Our efforts extended beyond the intellectual realm; we carefully chose the venue and crafted a menu to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. 

“In addition to intellectual nourishment, we prioritized the physical and emotional well-being of our guests. We provided on-site medical assistance and incorporated invigorating fitness exercises into the program. The event culminated in a rich and fulfilling learning experience for all involved, marking a significant step forward in the advancement of Muslim education in Lagos State,” she said.

Lola Vivour Adeniyi, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Agency on Domestic & Sexual Violence who spoke on Safeguarding and Child Protection said: “The Lagos State Government’s expectations of schools regarding Safeguarding includes compliance with policies- Schools in Lagos State are expected to adhere to laid down policies and laws on safeguarding children such as the Executive Order (NO. E0/AA08 of 2016), Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, Child Rights Law of Lagos State. 

“These policies are also to be implemented in the schools. For example, all schools in Lagos State are expected to adopt the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, to be tailored to each school.”

She added: “Schools are expected to keep proper and accurate records of safeguarding concerns, interventions and outcomes so as to improve on their safeguarding policies. They are also expected to actively monitor the well being of students through the Designated Safeguarding Officer or Guidance Counselor(s) in the school. Schools should do more of organizing prevention/ awareness programmes and training for educators and children as ‘ Enlightenment is superior to Enforcement’. Schools should do more of organizing prevention/ awareness programmes and training for educators and children as ‘ Enlightenment is superior to Enforcement,” she added.

Certificates were presented to the participants at the end of the training.