Record Number of Peru Teachers Receive Training From Projects Abroad Volunteers

TORONTO – March 29, 2017 – Projects Abroad's annual Teachers Training Project in Peru has had a record number of enrolments this year, with 700 local teachers applying to participate. This is an increase of 300 teachers from previous years.

During the Peru summer break, Projects Abroad, in conjunction with the Peruvian Ministry of Education, holds a six-week training program for local teachers to improve the quality of their teaching, with the main aim being English-language improvement. Many teachers in Peru are primarily trained in other subjects, and also asked to teach English. The training program is therefore an excellent opportunity to improve an aspect of their teaching that receives less attention.

Projects Abroad volunteers are directly involved with the training, by facilitating individual workshops focusing on various topics. "Our volunteers teach vocabulary and pronunciation to beginners, and verbs and grammar to those with an intermediate to advanced level of English," says Irazema Arizabal, Country Director for Projects Abroad in Peru. "The volunteers also provide them with new teaching materials and ways in which they can conduct their lessons."

At this year's event, participants not only benefitted by improving their English and teaching, but were also formally recognized and awarded an official certificate by the Regional Director of Education. This improves their prospects when applying for jobs at educational centres in the area.

The success of the teacher training leaves a lasting impact in local communities in Peru. Students, particularly those from underprivileged communities, will be the major beneficiaries of an improved teaching force in Peru. Through a higher quality of education, students will have improved career opportunities, and will be better equipped to become active participants in the global economy.

Projects Abroad's mission to improve the lives of those in need through its Teaching Project in Peru for volunteers, is exemplified in the Teacher Training Project, something it hopes will grow in strength and in number in years to come.