Teachers Without Borders Nigeria—Connecting Teachers to Information and Each Other

Posted on Jun 22, 2009 by Heather Carson

Emplacement

main Abuja
Nigérie

Teachers Without Borders (TWB) Nigeria is closing the education divide through teacher professional development and community education. Lead by Raphael Ogar Oko, TWB Nigeria’s innovative programs and strategies incorporate unique curricula, investment in community outreach, and a commitment to sustainability and growth. Raphael Ogar Oko and his TWB team are improving lives for teachers in Nigeria and around the world.

In coordination with local and international partnerships, TWB Nigeria has designed and hosted teacher professional development workshops in 10 Nigerian states providing 800 educators with the Certificate of Teaching Mastery (CTM) curriculum. Workshop participants are provided with the opportunity to continue professional enrichment through free online courses and additional online tools. In addition to the CTM workshops, TWB Nigeria has spearheaded seven major teacher professional training conferences emphasizing subjects such as: the mobilization of teachers for national renewal, parent education, disability education, HIV/AIDS education, girl’s education, entrepreneurship development and capacity building.

The success of this professional development program is reflected in the establishment of Community Teaching and Learning Centers throughout Nigeria. These centers provide the opportunity for community members to continue their education and gain access to additional resources. Over 200 computers have been distributed to the centers with the support of both local and international partners. Raphael Ogar Oko also recognizes the need for community enrichment where the challenges are most great. Currently, TWB Nigeria is in its second year implementing the Motor Park Literacy project and is working with international NGOs to design trainer resource guides and teach basic literacy, hygiene, character education programs for motor park workers. The initial Jabi Motor Park in Abuja has registered 124 persons and the program is now being offered in three additional motor parks: Karu, Dei-Dei, and Area 1.

In 2007, TWB Nigeria launched a new stage of the development of its mission and programs to support the United Nations in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). The Millennium Development Ambassadors program is an initiative that brings together a global alliance of local educators and institutions dedicated to the building of a world without borders and the realization of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Ambassadors complete a Community Service Project, lead and participate in Millennium Development committees and mentor future ambassadors. In Nigeria, Millennium Development Ambassadors are responsible for a micro credit project in Yala and Tungan Wakili. Twenty local Yala market women, mostly wives of teachers, applied and received grants of N5,000 each to start up weekly trading businesses. Upon completion of the first month, 100% of the women were reported to have completed their weekly loan payments. With the return on their investment TWB Nigeria was able to increase the beneficiaries by four more women and is expected to reach 36 women by the end of the fifth month when payments are completed. Interest from the loans supports TWB Nigeria programs and projects and creates opportunity to fund additional local needs.

Finally, Raphael Ogar Oko’s Voice of Teachers (VOT) Radio Show began in February of 2009 and reaches over 3 million listeners and has aired 16 episodes. Based on the growing interest, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, a federal government agency responsible for licensing teachers in Nigeria and has provided 90% of the funds required to make payments for an additional 13 episodes. With strong partnerships, innovative programs, and progressive outreach campaigns, TWB Nigeria hopes to reach their goal of 150 Community Teaching and Learning Centers and mobilize 144,000 teachers and volunteers in Nigeria.

 

To hear TWB Nigeria’s Voice of Teachers Radio Show recording:

http://s3.amazonaws.com//jd2-f99e42a52701c7972ea9a975a2a79fc9-us/audio/p...

 

To watch TWB Nigeria video clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThSwN_R-8Qw&feature=PlayList&p=03B3144BCB...

 

To read about TWB Nigeria’s Millennium Development Ambassador Program: http://www.teacherswithoutborders.org/pages/nigeria

 

Reason:
As his colleague, I have a profound respect for Raphael Ogar Oko’s innovations and determination to expand teacher training and professional development and I am deeply touched by his response to his fellow countrymen. He and his TWB Nigeria team have not only built a sustainable program with wide spread support from within their country but also have inspired and now mentor country coordinators in Kenya, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Their ability to address local needs and further the principles of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals has created a momentum for education reform in the region and worldwide. Raphael Ogar Oko and Teachers Without Borders Nigeria are the future of education in Africa.
Organisation: Teachers Without Borders Nigeria
Prenom:Raphael Ogar
Nom:Oko
Ville:Abuja
Pays:Nigérie
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Commentaires

mar, 08/18/2009 - 14:25
johnson hilary

 All thanks to Mr Rapheal.he has contributed greatly in training teachers and developing the eucational system in Nigera.Pls let him win this so as to make nigerians and the whole world happy.He has great vision and can use it properlly if given room to do so

mar, 08/11/2009 - 06:32
EMMANUEL DANLADI

RAPHAEL OKO 'S TWB INITIATIVE IN NIGERIA IS A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT.THE NEED FOR EDUCATION WITHOUT BOARDERS CANNOT BE OVERSTATED.

mer, 08/05/2009 - 01:11
Fred Mednick

Raphael Oko has been placed in the most difficult of situations, but he has consistently made moral choices.  I have known him for 6 years.  He achieves despite enormous odds.  He works with technology and in places where there is no electricity.  He fights for women though he is a man;  he believes in justice though he has been the victim of injustice.  He is strategic, thoughtful, impactful, powerful, and clear.  He follows through consistently with his ideas and plans, and he walks his talk.  It is an honor to know him, to plan with him, and to learn from him.  He is a true Champion of Africa.