Teachers trained in innovative early childhood education techniques and skills
MUSCAT, Oman, July 10, 2011 - The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) recently sponsored an eight-day program to train teachers and school supervisors in Muscat in techniques designed to maximize early learning. The 'Start Early' program, which was organized by Action Care and also supported by the Omani Women's Association, was attended by a number of teachers from schools run by both, Oman's Ministry of Education and private entities.
The Start Early program focuses on the needs of young children up to six years of age and imparts best practices that can be used at school or at home. Participants were trained in techniques such as learning through play, early learning, character development and behavior management and communications skills.
"The problems discussed during the seminars were very close to our local community and culture, and through initiatives such as this we will be able to develop new and more effective early childhood education techniques moving forward," said Zahra Dawood, the principal of a Kindergarten who attended the seminars.
Boeing has supported Action Care's efforts to take the Start Early seminars to a number of other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area in addition to Oman. Similar training sessions have also been held in Kuwait and Qatar and were attended by over 200 caregivers.
"Boeing has a long-term commitment to community development in the Middle East and the Start Early initiative is an excellent addition to our growing Global Corporate Citizenship program," said Jeffrey Johnson, President of Boeing Middle East. "By focusing training on parents and teachers together with respected partners such as the Omani Women's Association, we can increase the impact and sustainability of the projects we support, which in turn will have tangible results for communities around the region."
Based in the UAE, Action Care supports a number of educational and aid projects across the Middle East, including Start Early.
"The Early Childhood Development Program embraces the concept of a holistic approach to child development and trains teachers to maximize growth of intelligence, personality, social behavior and learning skills, which gives a child a solid foundation for the future," said Cherryn Kelly, Project Director of Action Care. "Through Boeing's continued commitment we've been able to bring these seminars to Oman and other countries in the region and have made a difference to each of those communities through the program."
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The Omani Women's Association (OWA):
The Omani Women's Association (OWA) is a Muscat-based NGO located in 35 areas around the country. Established in 1970, the OWA aims to provide support services to women seeking childcare, education, and job training. The organization considers one of its primary tasks that of raising social awareness amongst family members and particularly among young children.
Action Care:
Action Care supports a number of educational development and aid projects throughout the region. Their programs include volunteer empowerment, early childhood development, women's empowerment, library construction, schools for children with special needs, youth leadership and vocational training, IT lab setup, animation programs, aid distribution, medical camps and uplift for underprivileged and refugee children.
Contact:
Fakher Daghestani
Boeing International Corporate Communications - Middle East & Africa
+971 50 6254855
fakher.a.daghestani@boeing.com
© Press Release 2011
