Shillong: A six-day training programme for 65 Master Trainers under the MPOWER Training of Master Trainers Programme was held from August 3 to 8 at the Meghalaya Teacher Training Academy (MTTA), Malki, Shillong.
The programme, now in its second year, focused on Life Skills, Financial Literacy, Mental Health, and Sexual and Reproductive Health. MTTA provided institutional support and facilities, while Magic Bus India Foundation and WorldBeing India conducted the technical sessions.
The 65 Master Trainers came from seven districts, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, East Jaintia Hills, South West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills and North Garo Hills.
Following the training, the Master Trainers will train 1,729 teachers from SSA and government schools in their respective districts as part of the next phase of the MPOWER programme.
The training covered thematic knowledge, practical facilitation techniques, learner-centred teaching practices and inclusive approaches. Participants also took part in interactive sessions, practical demonstrations, peer-learning activities, mock facilitation sessions and classroom simulations.
The programme began with an orientation on MPOWER, followed by an inaugural address by Smti. J.U. Kharpuri, MCS, Director, DERT. She spoke about the importance of strengthening teacher capacity in improving education.
The final day included a review of key learnings, a post-training assessment and the preparation of district-level teacher training plans for the next phase of the programme.
Speaking about the training, David M. Nongrum, Associate Professor, DERT and Additional Director, MTTA, said, “The MTTA Master Trainer training marks an important step towards strengthening teacher capacity across Meghalaya. By equipping our Master Trainers with practical facilitation skills and a deeper understanding of Life Skills, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Financial Literacy Education, we are laying the foundation for more inclusive and learner-centred classrooms. I sincerely appreciate the dedicated efforts of the MPOWER team and our partner organisations in making this training a success.”
Caraline Y. Kharmalki, Assistant Professor, DERT and Nodal Officer, MPOWER, said, “The enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by the Master Trainers throughout the programme have been truly encouraging. We hope that the learnings on Life Skills, Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Financial Literacy Education will enable teachers to create a safe, supportive, inclusive and engaging learning environment where every child learns and feels accepted.”
MTTA said it would continue to support teacher capacity-building and promote inclusive and child-centred teaching practices across Meghalaya.