Training brief

The Inoyo Toro Foundation in conjunction with the Akwa Ibom State Government recently facilitated the participation of 23 teachers from select public secondary schools in the State to the Nigerian International Schools’ Conference which held at the American International School, Lagos. Selected teachers were picked on the basis of being award winners from the Foundation’s 2016 awards.

The teachers converged at the premises of the Inoyo Toro Foundation’s office at Ultra-Fit Complex, Ewet Housing Estate in preparation for their departure to Lagos. They were received by officials of the Foundation. Prior to their departure, a representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Deaconess Esther Essien briefed the teachers and implored them to be good ambassadors of the State whilst in Lagos. The teachers and the Foundation’s officials departed for Lagos on the 28th of April 2017.

Upon their arrival in Lagos, the group was received and hosted to a dinner at Eko Hotel & Suites Victoria Island. The dinner event was hosted by Mr. Kufre Ekanem of Nigerian Breweries Bottling Company. The training proper commenced on the 29th of April 2017 at the American International School Lagos. The theme for the conference was “Building A Positive School Culture”.

Pastor Paul Alexander Udofia, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education was on ground to address the teachers. The teachers were received by the staff of the American International School Lagos. Mr. Gregory Rayl, the school’s superintendent in his keynote address, welcomed everyone in attendance and emphasized the importance of harboring a positive culture within our schools. He further reiterated that a positive culture consists in a respectful environment, where staff are always learning and collegial, students are engaged and there is a clear focus /vision that is recognized by students, parents and staff.

Teachers from various schools were divided into different sessions for the training. The training was intensive and equipped the teachers with the various ways to create and nurture a positive culture in their respective schools. The training was well received by the teachers and at the close of the training; the teachers were all given a certificate.

Some of the teachers at the end of the training where full of excitement to come back home, make good use of all they have learnt to build a conducive environment for their fellow teachers and students alike. Mrs. Idorenyin Okon Antia, a participating teacher from Ikono Ibom Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikot Anyan, Ikono said “a spark was brought into her life and rekindled her passion for teaching”. The teachers returned to Akwa Ibom State on the 30th April 2017.

The Inoyo Toro Foundation uses this opportunity to once again acknowledge and thank Governor Udom Emmanuel and his government for their support especially in the sponsorship of the Akwa Ibom State teachers’ delegation to the Nigerian International School Conference (NISC 2017) in Lagos.