GLOBE programme launches training workshop for teachers |27 June 2023

The audience

The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) programme launched a three-day teacher training workshop yesterday morning, in partnership with the newly reopened US embassy, Ministry of Education and Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) under the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry.

At yesterday’s launch at SITE, Mark Brettenny, director of GLOBE Africa, gave an overview and introduction to the GLOBE Website and programme, which is an international science and education programme that focuses on promoting scientific literacy and building connections between people passionate about the environment.

It is a group of students, teachers, researchers and lifelong learners that work together to create this worldwide web network of opportunities for kids. The programme is sponsored by NASA.

He explained that GLOBE covers multiple investigating areas such as Atmospheric/Climate Studies, Hydrology Studies, Soil Studies, Land Cover Biology and Phenology. There are over 50 scientific protocols and more than 60 learning activities. There is also over 270 million measurements recorded on the GLOBE Web site for use in student research.

“The goal and objective is to improve students’ achievement across the curriculum,” he stated.

GLOBE is in 127 countries and the participation is by bilateral agreement. There are 27 countries based in Africa. Seychelles is the latest country to sign the bilateral agreement in 2017.

“This is the first time that we are able to do a teacher training in the Seychelles and we would like to thank the US embassy,” he stated.

“Remember we are growing old, and the beneficiaries of this programme are the younger generation,” he stated.

There are opportunities created for youngsters which are dubbed global alumni. Their allegiance is pledged to the GLOBE Programme despite going through university and doing their own thing.

In his opening address, the director general for Early Childhood and Primary Education,  Cyril Pillay, explained that it is important for educators to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to impart in the classrooms.

“To create that learning environment whereby experimental learning and hands on activities can take place,” he stated.

He further explained that transforming education is a key component to experimental learning where students get to research, investigate and draw conclusions on issues affecting the world.

“Seychelles’ environment is one of the pillars which provides basic needs and attracts tourists to our country. Therefore, it is important to study and learn about the environment in order to better protect it for the future generation.”

Furthermore, he discussed the fact that the capacity-building sessions for teachers and educators is paramount in engaging leaders to better understand and appreciate the environment and its ecosystem.

“We hope that through the different scientific investigations the participants will gain a better understanding of the science behind it and share this knowledge to their students when they go back to their schools.”

For her part, Cynthia Alexander, the director general in the Division for Science, Technology and Information focused on access to data, which she said cultivates opportunities for local research that can contribute to a global understanding of Earth science, and enhances environmental literacy.

“Our National STI policy emphasises the importance of engaging our students in STEM integrated education for innovation and entrepreneurship for the development of our human capital,” she said, adding that the GLOBE training for teachers is in synergy with the same vision. In addition, Ms Alexander stated “we firmly believe that empowering our educators, directly translates into empowering our future generations”.

Her expectations of the workshop include sensitising the youth on frontier technologies, application of data from space science and technology.

In his address, the public affairs officer for the US embassy, Jonathan Koeher, discussed the crucial role that the embassy had to play in the partnership with the GLOBE programme.

He stated there are plans to expand the embassy, since it started off very small, and in the next few years there will be an opening of a number of different opportunities, including expanding the programmes in Seychelles.

“The level of enthusiasm that I see from the Seychellois is just incredible,” he stated.

In regards to the programme itself, Mr Koeher stated that it is a wonderful opportunity for the engagement of students which he hopes to promote in the coming years.

Mr Koeher discussed his own personal experience with science, discussing the fact that he did not become a scientist or engineer but going through the public high school system of California, science education was a huge part of his life.

“Those opportunities to take those advanced science courses taught me a number of critical skills that I have carried throughout my career,” he stated.

To conclude his address, Mr Koeher expressed that there are few other skills that the GLOBE programme brings to the table that are important for students such as public speaking and teamwork.

“They are a strong foundation and the six skills will set students apart in the workforce and allow them to compete in an increasingly global and interconnected economy.”

Sunny Esparon

Photos by Louis Toussaint