Last week we brought our Sabah Literacy Center teachers for team-building and training. These teachers have been trained by us to teach the children in their own kampongs. Many of them seldom leave their kampongs because they are “undocumented aliens” without the necessary identification papers.
The team-building sessions were held in a government complex.
We have now 48 teachers and needed to cast again our vision to them and for them to know each other. The government complex has a dormitory, conference hall and cafeteria.
Facilities wise it was very good exposure for all teachers. It was the first time for many of them to sleep in a spacious room with fan, each one having her own bed. For many it was also the first time to use a proper toilet, bath and sink for washing. We used this opportunity to them them about sanitation, and how to use a toilet in a non-offensive way.
It cost us 24 Malaysian Ringgit (about US$8) per head for accomodation and 3 meals.
Our theme was – One Team.
Session One: What is a Team
Session Two: What is Teamwork
Session Three: Handling Conflicts
All the activities/games were directed towards achieving the theme.
When it was time to discuss what they learned, it was very exciting. Our teachers are thinking! And learning on their own! We did not share any input except to wrap up afterwards.
They said that they learned:
- not to leave anyone behind
- without cooperation there is no team
- it is important to follow the leader
- it is important to know the instructions
(because of security reasons we are not publshing photos or mentioning names of individuals or venues)
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Conducting such simple activities for the teachers is important. They can create that multiplier effect.