Short Summary
Early childhood education is a relatively new concept in Papua New Guinea. New preschools are cropping up (formal education does not start until age 7) however affordable, updated teacher training is much needed.
I am Chelsea and I volunteered in a preschool in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea for 4 weeks during Feb-March 2013 (we live in Australia). The teachers had little formal education and no formal teacher training, but were dedicated to giving the children who lived in their communities a good start to life. As I have two children myself, ages 2 and 4, I know how important early childhood education is and was moved by the few resources they had and how much they needed.
However even more than physical resources (which were at the bare minimum!), the school needed TEACHERS who were empowered with teacher training.
Therefore I have organized a Full-Circle Learning training in PNG to take place in September 2013. Full-Circle Learning (FCL) is more than traditional teacher training and teaches so much more than academic facts and skills. FCL helps young people embrace their role as the change agents and humanitarians of their generation. Its educational programs integrate and expand students' character strengths, academic excellence, artistic capacities and peacemaking skills in service to the global human family. (To read more about FCL go to: http://www.fullcirclelearning.org/)
Visit the "Gallery" tab to see a video about what Full-Circle Learning is!
I am organizing a teacher training for teachers at The Virtues Preschool in Port Moresby and their associated schools in several villages; and as funding becomes available we will invite more schools/teachers to participate.
I believe this training will inspire the teachers and give them the tools to raise their schools up to a new standard, giving children a fuller and more meaningful education... and change the world one child at a time.
What We Need & What You Get
We need to cover the expenses of this training which include:
Plane tickets from the USA to Papua New Guinea for the Full-Circle Learning facilitator (it is a non profit organization and they are offfering the training free of charge), as well as workshop costs (venue and materials) which will cost at least $2,500 in total. I will be having a few fundraisers (online and in our community) to raise these funds.
I will take photos and videos of the training and upload them on our website, so you can see what you helped make happen! You will be emailed the website after you contribute.
The Impact
Education is the first step to helping transform families, neighborhoods, communities, nations, and the world. PNG is in desparate need of help in so many arenas, and this is one way you can help give 100+ preschoolers (at the two confirmed participating preschools) a good start to education. There will be thousands of children affected by this training if we can raise the funds to make it happen.
I have arranged numerous workshops and trainings in the past, and am sure this event will be a useful, meaningful event for all those involved.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please share our fundraiser on your Facebook page, email it out to your friends, and spread by word of mouth! We need all the help we can get!
Use the Indiegogo share tools to get the word out!
Thank you SO much for your help. Every cent makes a difference and we appreciate every single one.