In June 2021 we shared an update relating to CBCC Caregiver Training. This report provides further details relating to the training of an additional 18 caregivers, for which training began on the 3rd of August 2021.
Seibo has been working with nursery schools for over five years in Malawi. We have noticed that teaching qualifications are one of the main factors affecting the quality of nursery education at Seibo partner schools. When nurseries reopened in Malawi, many had no choice but to open with the help of unqualified volunteer caregivers. lacking any formal training. The caregiver training covered in this report was offered to 7 of Seibo’s 9 rural nursery partners, known as CBCCs. The 2 nursery partners not participating in training avail of regular, ongoing access to monthly training courses offered by our partners at the Mother Teresa Children’s Centre. The remaining 7 CBCCs are not in a position to easily access these services, hence the need for refresher training.
On this occasion caregiver training was arranged for 18 caregivers. Training took place anywhere from 3-5 days a week, and at time of writing has run for 41 days. Volunteers are required to turn up at 10am and stay until 3pm. As an incentive to attend, Seibo provide a daily lunch allowance of 1,500 Malawian kwacha.
Course Overview (Brief)
History of ECD: This lesson helps caregivers understand the term ‘Early Childhood Development’, the principles of ECD and the objectives of CBCC childhood development.
ECD Domains: This lesson teaches how to support children’s development in the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, moral & spiritual domains.
Understanding Ages & Stages of Child Development
Teaching & Learning Using Locally Available Resources (TALULAR): This lessons helps caregivers to identify locally available materials & resources than can be used for play-based activities, without the need to spend money on such items.
Creativity & Development
Working with Parents as Partners
How to Build & Maintain Positive Relationships with Parents Importance of good communication with parents and involving parents in decision making
Effective Circle Time: Preparing children for the day, learning songs & rhythms, understanding the morning routine.
How to Make Learning Fun
Positive Behaviour Management: How to help caregivers to manage children’s behaviour and to understand benefits of positive reinforcement over punishment
Displays: To help caregivers understand importance of using charts as visual aids for children
Recording Information: Help caregivers understand the importance of keep good records. Know the different forms used for recording information e.g. medication forms, etc
Planning: Understand the importance of planning for lessons & activities
Risk Assessment: Learn to identify risks, hazards and control measures to ensure children’s safety
Child Protection: Learn & understand the rights of children. Learn to identify signs of child abuse and how to work with other agencies on issues of child protection
Cost Overview
The Caregiver Training Budget total is: 1,938,700 Malawian Kwacha. After 41 days of training has been conducted we have so far used 1,467,930 Malawian Kwacha. Of this amount 196,330 was used for teaching & learning materials, 1,043,00 for lunch allowances (for all caregivers and for 1 x MTCC staff facilitating training at 5,000/day), 188,600 for facilitator transport (4,600/day) and a one-time 40,000 kwacha payment for a training day on the topic of TALULAR by a professional in this area. The remaining balance comes to 470,770.00 kwacha.