|
the Lautoka Schools Project, Lautoka, Fiji. RAWCS Project No. 12/2007-08 |
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Postal Address: P.O. Box 51, Rosny Park, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA. 7018 |
The Rotary Club of Bellerive's RAWCS project in Fiji - include,
1) the establishment of a library at the Ami Chandra Memorial School at Lautoka - - (2005, 2006)
2) the supply and installation of a 25 unit networked computer laboratory- - (2006)
3) the vocational study tour for the two kindergarten teachers - - (2006)
4) as reported below.....
Report:
Lautoka Schools Project: 2008 (12/2007-08)Background:
In 2004 a building team from the Rotary Club of Bellerive in Tasmania went to Fiji to build house 20 in the Rotahomes Koroipita Village Project near Lautoka. As a result of this visit, the Lautoka Schools Project was established in 2005 to provide support for schools in the area, and is now in its fourth year of support.
The three schools that received specific support in 2008 were; the Ami Chandra Memorial School, Lovu Sangam Primary and Drasa Secondary School. Members of the project team also conducted its second annual literacy workshop for 35 teachers from schools in the Lautoka area.
All team members, except the team leader are non-Rotarians. This year the project included three students from Kingston High School and their mothers as part of the project team. This may be the first time students have been involved in an overseas RAWCS project from Australia.2008 Project Team:
Veena Tilly (team leader) Madison Hawes
Denys Tilly Julie Casser
Joan Booth Lily Bobbi
James Booth Halena Bobbi
Elizabeth Bulman Rhyce Lein
Michelle Lein*Terry Lobban, from the Rotary Club of Bellerive travelled to Fiji in late May to unload ta shipping container and confirm last minute arrangements for the project team's arrival.
Summary of work in 2008:
1. Ami Chandra Memorial School. (53 Koriopita Village students)Background:
The project team was pleased to meet the new principal Mr Ram. It was evident that during the short time since Mr Ram's appointment to the school, that he had instigated a number of positive changes to the school. Teachers also reported a much more positive outlook and it was evident that the school committee worked in a more supportive manner with the school.The library:
The principal informed the team that changes were being made to the library to incorporate desks and chairs so that students could sit and read in the library. The principal was keen for teachers to extend the students' reading by discussing aspects of the book before students changed the book. We hope to see the library in full operation as soon as possible.The Computer Lab:
It was pleasing to see the computer lab being used by students. The three Kindergarten teachers run computer classes in the afternoon on a roster bases for all classes. It was noted that 10 computers were not operational. It is hoped that these will be attended to by the school or a request made to the team to provide replacements.Shoe Boxes and other items:
Approximately 110 Rotary shoe boxes were distributed by the Tasmanian students. Two wooden book trolleys were provided to two teachers who had requested these. A small amount of sports gear was given to students in the senior class for all students to use. A small portable electric oven was provided for the staffroom.Support for 2009
It was discussed with the principal that in 2009, Thursday 10th September, a one day literacy workshop would be held at the school for teachers at Ami Chandra. This will mean four teachers in the morning sessions and five teachers for the afternoon session. These workshops will be conducted by Joan Booth, and Rae Wells and Veena Tilly will support the workshop by supervising classes.2. Lovu Sangam School : 2008 (17 Koroipita Village students)
Background:
The Lovu Sangam School is the second closest schools to the Koroipita Village and when the second stage of the village begins in 2009, more children from the village are expected to attend this school.
A computer lab was established at the school in 2007 by two visiting teams and minor support was provided in other areas.Computer Lab
The computer lab is functioning with an IT teacher taking two thirty minute lessons a week with classes. Classes can be in excess of forty students and so children have had a computer between two. Another thirteen computers were added this year and Terry Lobban has organized another six to be freighted via Donations in Kind from Geelong arriving in the next month or two.Classroom Furniture.
Three and a half classes had their desks and benches replaced. Two grade three and one and a half grade four.
The Kindergarten was given an indoor wooden gym and two activity tables were made, a desk for water play and toys for their activity area.
Eight activity trolleys were distributed for storage in classrooms plus two teacher's desks. Numerous other items from the container were placed in the school. See supplementary list.
As is the normal practice, the replaced furniture becomes the property of Rotary and is sent to a deserving poorer school. Vitogo Village school received the furniture from Lovu Sangam.Playground Equipment.
The existing swing in the Kindergarten was refurbished, cemented in and painted along with the existing slide. A new swing, donated by Brian from Outdoor Equipment was also installed in the Kindergarten area.
A dual swing constructed by Reg Brown (Rotary Club of Bellerive) was installed outside the staffroom.List of School's Needs for 2009: Principal: Mr Nair.
Furniture for the following classes:
4R 14 desks and chairs
2R & 2W 78 desks and chairs
5W & 5R 80 desks and chairs
6B & 6W 60 desks and chairs
7B 36 desks and chairs
20 Computers- one for every classroom3. Drasa Secondary School : 2008
Background:While Drasa Secondary did not have any Koroipita students in 2007, the school was brought to our attention by Jeremy Woodcock from the Rotary Club of Saltram in England. Mr Woodcock made a personal donation to the Lautoka Schools Project to assist with the cost of sending computers from Donation in Kind Geelong for the computer lab. He has continued to support the project in 2008 and 2009. In 2008 Drasa has enrolled children from the Koroipita Village.
The needs of the school were discussed with the principal and the assistant principal. Two main areas of need were the Library and Literacy. The head of English and another English teacher attended the Literacy workshop and were very positive about the session.Support for 2009
A literacy workshop has been arranged for all teachers on Saturday 6th June 2009.
Support for the teaching of English will be a focus by Veena Tilly and Rae Wells for the week along with the refurbishment of the Library. Contact has been made with Apex Queensland, the original builders of the Library (1991) and it is hoped that a joint venture can be arranged for the refurbishment of the Library in 2009.Literacy Workshop for Teachers September 2008
Background:
Veena Tilly and Rae Wells, who were members of the project teams in both 2005 and 2006, recognized that just providing materials for teachers was not fully meeting their needs. Teachers needed professional learning in ways of using these materials more effectively. In 2007, a one day literacy workshop,was organized through the office of Mr Rajendra Singh from the Western Divisional Office, Ministry of Education. In 2008 Joan Booth and Veena Tilly conducted a one day literacy workshop attend by 35 teachers.Organisation
All participants agreed that the workshop was well organised, interesting and motivational. Many commented on the interesting use of games and questions to encourage participants to join in and become active participants. Morning tea and lunch were enjoyed by all and much appreciated.
Unfortunately the unexpected large number of participants created some difficulties and most participants felt that separate rooms for each group could have alleviated most of the problems.Delivery
Participants commented on the excellent delivery: clear, interesting, specific, simple and enjoyed the use of different resources and handouts. They enjoyed the lively involvement in activities and had fun.
Some participants felt that some of the areas were covered too quickly and they would have liked more time to absorb the new ideas and strategies being presented.Content
Participants appreciated the opportunity to share their ideas with others and to hear other ideas in return. The activities and ideas presented by the facilitators were creative and appropriate for classroom literacy programs and suitable for use in the classroom. Of particular interest was that not only were the ideas new and exciting, but that they were child centred and could be used to motivate students to participate and learn.
Most participants commented on the time factor: there was not enough time to cover everything they would have liked to.Relevance
The ideas presented were deemed to be in line with Fiji's curriculum and teaching environment, very relevant to classroom practice and useful for meeting current needs. Participants felt that some of the difficulties faced in literacy education had been addressed and appropriate strategies for dealing with them had been presented.
Many participants commented that they were motivated to try something new and inspired to implement the strategies in their schools and classrooms.Feedback: Lautoka Schools Project Literacy Workshops 2008
- well organised - interesting, motivational - well equipped - encouraging participants to join in - large group made things difficult - should be held over 2 days
- separate rooms - more space - spare resources for extra participants - activities, games and puzzles - enjoyed lunch and morning tea - active involvement of participantsDelivery
-excellent -very clear, interesting -motivational -use of different resources, good handouts -fun and simple -specific to needs -some areas covered too quickly
- 1 day not enough -lively involvement in activities -fun -encouraged to share ideasContent
-good to hear ideas from others, share ideas -useful activities for classroom -conducive to classroom literacy -creative ideas -spelling problems addressed
-suitable and appropriate for classroom -exciting new ideas -child centred activities -ideas to motivate children -sharing each other's ideasRelervance
-lots of ideas to use in the classroom -very relevant, informative -addresses some of the difficulties faced in literacy - meets needs
-in line with Fiji's curriculum and teaching environment -interesting ideas for group and class activities -inspired to implement strategies in school
-motivated to try something new -lots of different strategies to enhance literacy -suited to Fiji's systemHow could we best provide ongoing support?
More resource/support personnel to conduct workshops to cater for a larger number of teachers
More of this type of workshop[ available to all schools
Courses in school holidays or weekends so that all teachers who are interested can attend
Hold workshops in individual schools
Get feedback from participants after they have implemented suggested strategies in their schools
Provide supplementary information on exciting ways of teaching (through emails etc)
Encourage participants to keep in contact with each other
Provide physical resources for use in classrooms (including reading books)WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
NAME SCHOOL
1 Mele Muriambua Ami Chandra Memorial
2 Aireen Lata Singh Ami Chandra Memorial
3 Vikashni Kumar Ami Chandra Memorial
4 Vishalni Devi Ami Chandra Memorial
5 Lhsiane Bativudi Ba Provincial Secondary
6 Sharoon Balgovind Drasa Secondary
7 Martin Palisara Drasa Secondary
8 Rukshana Ali Jasper Williams Primary
9 Lalita Nair Jasper Williams Primary
10 D.W. Cagi Jasper Williams Primary
11 Sefanaia Ledua Lautoka Fijian
12 Usa Surowale Lautoka Fijian
13 Ana Nagica Lautoka Methodist
14 Marica Nasau Lautoka Methodist
15 Sashi Chand Lautoka Muslim College
16 Mrs S. Raj Lautoka Muslim College
17 Hussain Ali Shah Lautoka Muslim Primary
18 Rozina Ali Lautoka Muslim Primary
19 Sushila Chandra Lautoka Primary
20 Shakila Prasad Lautoka Primary
21 Rajesh Harish Lautoka Sanatan
22 Rajendra Prasad Lautoka Sanatan
23 Saroj Nair Lovu Sangam Primary
24 Jainendra Kumar Lovu Sangam Primary
25 Bhupendra Singh Natabua High
26 Saras Wati Jattan Natabua Primary
27 Sosene Natabua Primary
28 Rowena Turoga St Thomas High
29 Anita Sundar Tilak High
30 Rehana Shameem Tilak High
31 Akeneta Saukuru Vitogo District
32 Nanise Dauna Vitogo District
33 Paulina Tuicuvu Vuda District
34 Lote Vuda DistrictVeena Tilly
Rotary Club of Bellerive, Tasmania
Coordinator Lautoka Schools Project
Previous Report
October 2007
Report:
Lautoka Schools Project: 2007 (12/2007-08)Background:
In 2004 a building team from the Rotary Club of Bellerive in Tasmania went to Fiji to work in the Rotahomes Koroipita Village Project near Lautoka. Team members Terry Lobban and Veena Tilly were amongst those who visited the local primary school Ami Chandra Memorial School, which is attended by most of the children from the Koroipita Village. They perceived the immediate need for assistance, and in 2005, a RAWCS Project was registered to support the school and a team of RAWCS Rotary Volunteers established the library.
In 2007 three additional schools were given support with the delivery of furniture, computers and books. The program was also extended to provide professional learning in Literacy for teachers in the Lautoka area.
Two Rotary teams worked on the project in August/September 2007.August Team:
Libby Wiggins (team leader) John Grimmond
Linly Wiggins Maree Grimmond
Wayne Melville Kathleen Melville
September Team:
Veena Tilly (team leader) Denys Tilly
Rae Wells Malcolm Wells
Elizabeth Bulman Alana Tilly
1. Ami Chandra Memorial School. (53 Koriopita students)
The Lautoka Schools Project group has become disheartened and concerned by the school's lack of direction and management and consequently withdrew the proposed kindergarten refurbishment project planned for 2007. This was influenced by information from New Zealand that a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant had been made available with the Rotary Club of Lautoka for the renovation of the Kindergarten.
The Project members' view is that most of the issues arose from the Head Teacher's dysfunctional relationship with the School Committee and the school staff. This was brought to the attention of all parties and the Western Divisional Officer for the Ministry of Education, Mr Ragendra Singh
It was made clear to all however, that the Lautoka Schools Project would assist in supporting the school for the direct benefit of the students.2005: Vacant classroom renovated and library established with 1500 books.
2006:
- Computer laboratory established with 24 networked computers. Computers were made available to individual staff members.
- Additional Library books were placed in the library. Total number of books-3,500.
- Bench seats and desks were replaced with ninety new single desks and chairs through a matching grant with the Rotary Club of Lautoka and a club in Auckland. Second hand furniture for the remaining students was provided by the Lautoka Schools Project.
- Two kindergarten teachers visited Tasmania for a one month study tour.
2007:
- The computer lab was checked and 23 computers made operational as the computer lab had not been used by the school in 2006/7. Some cables were damaged by rats and these were replaced, The computer lab was cleaned and directions given on maintenance.
- The server and network cables were removed and relocated to Drasa Secondary School.
- Boxes of books were provided for the library.
- The old furniture was sorted and sent to a school in Ba under the guidance of the Ministry of Education Officer, Rajendra Singh. This new school was without any furniture!
This fulfills an agreement with the Ami Chandra School that on the provision of new furniture surplus furniture can be relocated. It was taken to Lovu Sangam Primary School. Unusable furniture and shelving was taken to the Koroipita Village to be used for the construction of shelving in the new shop and bakery.
Lovu Sangam School (17 Koroipita students)
The Lovu Sangam School is the second closest school to the Koroipita Village and when the second stage of the village begins in 2008, more children from the village will attend this school. The project team therefore, has established a relationship with the school and signed an agreement to provide support to the school.The school is well run and maintained with the caring attitude of the Head Teacher setting the ethos of the school. Regular communication takes place between the project team and the Secretary of the School Committee, Mr Vija Ratnam.
2007
Library
The existing Library was well organized, but needed new books. The books were removed and the library painted by the school, with paint provided from project funds. The library books were then sorted, catalogued and re-shelved by project team members. Adjustable steel and wooden shelving were provided as well as boxes of books from the Rotary Donations-in-Kind store in Geelong,.
Computer Lab
The school had started to renovate an old two-classroom building for computer studies. The partition wall was removed by the school to create one large classroom. The project team painted the room and removed old floor tiles. .Benches were then constructed for the computer lab, with all materials were provided by the project. Twenty computers were provided, by arrangement with Anton Van Doornik from the Rotary Donations-in-Kind store in Geelong
List of School's Needs for 2008: Head Teacher- Ms Naicker.
- Individual chairs and desks was listed as a priority for Grades 1 to 5.
- Classroom shelving for books.
- Playground equipment for the kindergarten as existing equipment was broken or very old. (Ms Naicker was proud of the kindergarten refurbishment as the school had recently spent $3,000.)
- The school and the committee are to secure the computer room and install power points when funds become available so the room can be used as planned.
3. Drasa Secondary School.
While Drasa Secondary did not have any Koroipita students in 2007, the school was brought to our attention by Jeremy Woodcock from the Rotary Club of Saltram in England. Mr Woodcock made a personal donation to the Lautoka Schools Project to assist with the container cost.
The Principal, Mr Shashi Kumar was keen to expand access to computers for the students. and to further develop vocational courses in; cooking not only for students at the school but for members of the local community.
The innovative programs being implemented at Drasa Secondary is a motivating factor for the project team in facilitating further support in 2008. A Rotarian, Mr David Barkley from Geelong visited the school during the time the project work was taking place and he was also encouraged by what he saw.
Mr Kumar, has plans to attract students from the Koroipita Village by organising bus transport and offering reduced school fees for students in 2008.
2006
One hundred chairs and sixty desks were delivered by Terry Lobban from the Lautoka Schools Project.
2007
Library
Approximately 3,500 books were delivered to the library through the Rotary Club of Geelong. The books were gratefully received. Boxes of books were also delivered to the primary school library.
Computer Lab
Thirty computers were supplied and tested by project team members. These computers were provided from the Rotary Club of Geelong. A server, two hubs and network cables were supplied from the Ami Chandra School project to enable Rajnesh Lal (Deputy Principal) to network the computers. Mr Lal completed the installation of the computers within a few days and the lab was operational.
Drasa Secondary has the expertise to manage a network computer system and has recently been connected to wireless broadband. This is an extremely positive outcome, as previously the school with 600 students had three computers to teach computer studies. They now have thirty networked computers on-line with internet access.
Literacy Workshop for Teachers September 2007
Veena Tilly and Rae Wells, who were members of the project teams in both 2005 and 2006, recognized that just providing materials for teachers was not fully meeting their needs. Teachers needed professional learning in ways of using these materials more effectively. In 2007, a one day literacy workshop was organized through the office of Mr Rajendra Singh from the Western Divisional Office, Ministry of Education.
Veena and Rae have been teaching English in high schools in Hobart for many years. Veena has had various leadership positions within the Tasmanian Education Department in the area of professional learning for teachers in literacy and English teaching.
2007 Literacy Workshop:
An invitation was issued through the Ministry of Education and twenty five teachers, from twenty-five different school in the Lautoka area attended the literacy workshop at Natabua High School on the 13th September 2007.
Teachers were presented with practical information and different strategies that could be readily used in the classroom. The response from the enthusiastic, relatively young group of teachers was very positive as they embraced new ideas on the teaching of literacy in their schools.
Feedback sheets from the teachers indicated that the workshop was well received, and all participants expressed their appreciation in being involved in the session.
Teachers' comments included:
- organization of the workshop was well planned and clear with
relevant content for the teaching of literacy in the classroom.
- delivery was clear and precise with presenters addressing issues
- content was child focused and appropriate for literacy improvement
- the material was relevant to their classroom teaching
Summary of Teachers' Feedback:
- The comments from teachers indicated that they personally gained from the information they received from the workshop, and they look forward to further support in the literacy area.
- Eighteen teachers indicated they wanted more workshops.
- Two teachers wanted to be informed on new teaching methods of English.
- Three teachers specified the need for more resources.
- Many teachers indicated that it would be beneficial if more time was allocated to professional learning.
- Some teachers were specific that Lautoka schools needed support, while others mentioned Fiji generally.
At the conclusion of the workshop, teachers felt more empowered to appropriately teach literacy in their schools. They also looked forward to further support and communication with this link to their professional learning.
Teachers were enthusiastic to be informed in the ways of teaching literacy.
This enthusiasm has the potential to increase the effectiveness of their teaching in the classroom and to make learning more effective for their students. As a result of the successful 2007 Literacy Workshop, it is felt appropriate to direct future Lautoka Schools Project resources into the area of professional learning.
Plans for June 2008:The provision of physical resources will continue for the schools educating the children from Koroipita Village with immediate emphasis on needs of Lovu Sangam Primary School as listed above.
There will be capacity to extent this to other schools as resources and funding become available.
Following the response from teachers at the 2007 Literacy Workshop, planning is underway for further literacy workshops in June 2008. Consideration is being given to conducting separate workshops for both primary school and secondary school teachers.
It is planned to extend contact with the participants in these workshops, by visiting and working with the teachers in their schools.
Contact Veena Tilly,
Coordinator: Lautoka Schools Project email: veenas_island@yahoo.com.au
Rotary Club of Bellerive, Tasmania, Australia.
RETURN TO HOME PAGE