Enifanti Haleke, the headteacher of Chisambo Primary School, highlights a significant transformation at the institution thanks to training provided by the Creative Centre for Community Mobilization (CRECCOM). This initiative, part of the Girls Get Equal (GGE) project funded by Norad through Plan International, has brought about a substantial positive change.
According to Haleke, before the intervention, Chisambo Primary School faced numerous challenges that hampered the academic environment. "As a school, before receiving training on the code of conduct, we noticed problems with student absenteeism and even late coming of teachers, which disrupted the progress of class lessons," said Haleke. The lack of a formal code of conduct meant there were no clear guidelines for teachers to follow, leading to inconsistent practices and discipline issues.
Felix Chayekha, a PTA member, also shed light on another prevalent issue. "Most of the teachers used to spend a lot of time on WhatsApp rather than focusing on their students," Chayekha stated. This behavior was not only unprofessional but also set a poor example for students, who began to mimic their teachers by using phones during class.
The intervention by CRECCOM brought a much-needed change. "After receiving the training, I held a staff meeting at Chisambo Primary School to discuss the negative impacts of these behaviors," Haleke explained. "Now, teachers no longer arrive late or miss school without a valid reason. They understand the importance of being punctual and present."
Chayekha corroborated Haleke's observations, noting the significant reduction in phone usage during class. "Teachers are no longer spending most of their time on their phones during class lessons. Students also refrain from using their phones because they follow the rules outlined in the code of conduct," said Chayekha.
The code of conduct, as introduced by CRECCOM through GGE project, has been thoroughly embraced by the school's staff. Haleke expressed gratitude, saying, "Teachers at the school are able to follow almost all the rules that have been placed in the school’s code of conduct. Chisambo Primary School is grateful to CRECCOM for the training on the code of conduct."
The GGE project's training has not only improved teacher and student behavior but has also fostered a more disciplined and conducive learning environment. The clear guidelines and expectations set forth in the code of conduct have enabled both teachers and students to focus better on educational goals, significantly enhancing the school's overall performance.
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