By Sharon Ivovi
The Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) says that the adoption of the use of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and other child centred approaches in the one-year pre-primary school curriculum was an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education in the state.
The Executive Chairman of SUBEB, Honourable Sunny Ogwu, stated this at the College of Education at Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of the state while declaring open a five-day training workshop for early childhood care development education teachers, caregivers and desk officers on “the use of Reggio Emilia and other child centred approaches and effective use of one-year pre-primary school curriculum”.
Honourable Sunny Ogwu, who was represented by the member representing Delta Central Senatorial District on the board, Mrs. Philomena Ededey, disclosed that the Reggio Emilia model for early childhood care development education viewed young children as individuals with curious minds who possessed powerful abilities and potentials to learn from everything in their environment.
Honourable Ogwu, while highlighting the key principles of the Reggio Emilia approach which, he said would guide teachers and caregivers in the effective teaching and learning process, noted that the approach would assist children to learn with ease, adding that approach would aid children in their cognitive development.
The SUBEB boss urged participants to take advantage of the training to deepen their understanding of the principles of Reggio Emilia in order to enable them effectively manage their early childhood care development classes.
“Regio Emilia philosophy is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education which values the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge, I hereby urge you to participants to take this training seriously and use the knowledge derived to judicious use in your classroom, Ogwu said.
Speaking earlier, the Director, Academic Services in the board, Mrs. Okpeh Francisca in her welcome remarks, stated that the training was aimed at using Reggio Emilia method in exposing the child to early education through the use of play, painting and drama, among others methodologies in their everyday life.
Mrs Okpeh also disclosed that Reggio was a child centered style that could build a strong foundation for the physical, mental, emotional and social development of the child in preparation for the future.
The event which drew over 200 participants from schools across the state was attended by the Provost, College of Education Agbor, Dr. Ukadike Joseph, Board Member, Mr Paul Kurugbe, the Secretary of the Board, Sir Byron Unini and other management staff of the board.