DIL News 2010 - Winter

2009 At-a-Glance

Teacher Trainings – In the summer all 689 DIL teachers underwent intensive training to enhance their subject-specific teaching skills.  During this period, DIL’s master trainers also conducted a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the needs of each teacher.  The findings were used to conduct on-going workshops during the rest of the year.  These in-demand workshops will be offered to other educational organizations in 2010.

Health Workshops – Health issues are the leading cause of student absenteeism in DIL schools. In order to address this problem, DIL began conducting health workshops in 58 schools. Over 6,000 students, teachers and parents received instruction on preventative health and hygiene. These popular and effective workshops will be held regularly at all DIL schools.

Curriculum – 2009 saw greater success of the Kindergarten to 2nd grade English curriculum. Classroom observation showed noticeable improvement in teachers’ general teaching skills and classroom management techniques. Teachers better utilized student-centered methods to encourage creativity, curiosity and critical thinking skills. DIL is now utilizing the same strategy to revise the Math and Urdu curriculum for Kindergarten to 1st grade.  In December, DIL began incorporating enquiry-based methodology into its science curriculum for grades 4 and 5.

Vocational Trainings – DIL established its first Vocational Training Center (VTC) at the Mehran School in 2009.  The VTC offers students and community members the opportunity to learn marketable skills such as embroidery and tailoring and is planning to provide computer courses in 2010.

Construction – All DIL schools are built on the principle that a safe and secure environment is conducive to greater learning and achieving academic and personal success. In 2009, DIL built 5 schools in Khairpur, Orangi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These cost-effective buildings maximize use of natural light and ventilation.

Extra-Curricular Activity Program- Extra-curricular activities help students build self confidence, improve social skills and enhance their learning experience. Inter-school competitions, such as sports, spelling bees and art contests as well as field trips to museums and parks are fast becoming a regular feature at DILschools. . 

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