The Chairman's remarks
Over the years we have brought you news of the development of both the buildings and the pupils, this month I would like to share one of the ways we are encouraging the teachers' development. In January this year a Teachers' Training Programme was held at Emmanuel School during which experienced teachers from three different educational systems including Don Bosco Roman Catholics in Imphal shared their expertise in the field - Roman Catholic schools have been in the forefront of primary and secondary education in Manipur for over four decades.
The lectures and activities included, among other topics, child psychology, teaching techniques, exploring the Maria Montessori way of teaching and so on with a view to helping teachers impart knowledge to the pupils in a way they can understand, which will motivate and inspire them. Some of the current teaching techniques used in Emmanuel School are very basic e.g. teachers just following text books, this training programme has given the teachers a glimpse of what they should be striving for in order to become ideal teachers! Kai ran a session on "Approach to Education in the context of the rural villages in the hills of Manipur." The whole week was so successful that there are plans to try and make this an annual event.
The current economic situation in the world does not seem to be improving and this has had an impact on transferring money out to Manipur. Just to give you an idea of the falling exchange rates, in June 2007 the British Pound was worth 86 Indian Rupees, now in May 2010 the Pound is only worth 68 Rupees, which means that building materials cost more, as well as the teachers' salaries. We as a Trust thank God for your continuing generous support for the school in these difficult economic times, your prayers and donations both have a positive impact, not just on the pupils, but also the teachers.
God bless you.
Keith Fox