Emma Okonji
The Alumni of the US government sponsored Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Programme, last week, concluded a four-day workshop for primary school English Language teachers, where over 200 English Language teachers were trained in Ondo and Oyo states.
The workshop tagged: “A Communicative Approach to English Language Instructionâ€, was held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, from January 17-18 and Abraham Adesanya College of Education, Oyo Town, Oyo State from January 24-25.
The FLTA Alumni under the aegis of Fulbright Language Scholars Association of Nigeria, received a public diplomacy grant ‎from the United States Consulate General in Lagos to train 200 teachers drawn from public and private schools in the two states.
Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate General, Ms. Darcy Zotter, ‎explained that workshop was aimed at providing the participants with new ideas and 21st century skills needed to teach English Language in elementary schools.
“US Government exchange alumni have been at the forefront of promoting access to qualitative education, good governance and civic engagement throughout Nigeria.
“They have strong ties to their communities and with the support of the US Mission, create and execute projects to address specific needs, including basic education.
“Our support for this project demonstrates U.S. government’s continuing commitment to the education sector and English teaching and learning in Nigeria,” Zotter said.
General Secretary, Fulbright Language Scholars Association, Ms. Oladoyin Abiona, said the alumni group hoped to build a professional network of elementary English Language teachers for knowledge sharing. “Our overall objective is to facilitate the advancement of education in Nigeria,” she added.
The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program is a nine-month non-‎degree study that provides young teachers of English as a Foreign Language the opportunity to refine their teaching skills and broaden their knowledge of American cultures and customs. FLTA Fellows in turn serve as teaching assistants/teachers of their native language in an American university.
