NSI delivers PE in-service training for primary schools in Eastern Highlands

Twenty-seven Physical Education [PE] teachers from selected primary schools in the Eastern Highlands Province have completed a one day basic athletics and PE in-service training hosted by the National Sports Institute [NSI].

Designed to help educators better prepare their students for the Eastern Highlands Primary Schools Athletics Festival, scheduled for May 22 - 23, at the NSI grounds, the training included 18 male and 9 female teachers.

In her welcome remarks, NSI Director Janet Gimots reflected on the program’s successful start in 2018 and its disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.

“The aim is to start small before reaching out to other districts the following year,” Ms Gimots said.

“Students should not only develop themselves in classroom learning but need to develop through physical activities such as sport to promote growth and development.

“The physical activities increase their physical fitness, skills development and healthy life style.”

Participating teachers have also been urged to take the lead in forming a Primary School Sports Association to help sustain and implement PSSP annually.

This year’s outreach focused on primary schools within the Daulo, Goroka, and Unggai-Bena districts, specifically selecting schools located near the National Highway and within Goroka town.

Mando Primary School teacher Mr Gunurei on behalf of the participants thanked the NSI for the great initiative.

“To come out of our regular duties to gain new skills is a major boost to our teaching careers. We thank NSI for reaching down to the primary level, and we’re grateful to be part of this initiative.”

The program approved by the Eastern Highlands Province Education unit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development in the province.