Five teachers from the UK are heading to The Gambia at Easter and their mission is to train trainers on the use of synthetic phonics. This follows last year’s development, when the department of state for basic and secondary education invited a trainer from the UK who teaches Jolly Phonics, using a multi-sensory method through songs, actions and games, to visit the country.

The trainer, Alison Gash, apparently made a big impact and the Department decided to promote Jolly Phonics across the country. "The training had a huge impact", said Mrs Gash,  "seeing local children aged 6 and 7 who were able to read and build words and enjoy it and have confidence."

She added that teachers needed more training in being able to hear the individual letter sounds. She said that the previous system used the ABC method which and emphasises letter names rather than the sounds they make.

Many schools, among them Wellingara Community Nursery School, which has some 400 3-7 year olds has had experience in unsing Jolly Phonics, since 2005.  Its head teacher, Sainey Gibba, said that the children loved the scheme and that they were very happy using it. They now hate the rote learning of letter names they used to do before.

There has been a significant improvement in their reading. "Years ago", she said, "children left the nursery without being able to recognise any letter sounds, much less to read or write sentences on their own. Now 11 children in my class can read and write sentences on their own

"I think the government is taking the right course to improve our education system. I am confident that if teachers take Jolly Phonics seriously, the issue of children being unable to read in their early grades will soon be a thing of the past."

There has been a big debate in the UK about using synthetic phonics to teach English. Research on the use of Jolly Phonics synthetic phonics programme has shown that children taught with the programme were more than three years ahead of their peers by the end of primary school.

Some countries, including Grenada, that use English as a second language have recognised the importance of using synthetic phonics programme as the best way of teaching English literacy.

In this regard, teachers in Nursery Schools, who would like to be trained to teach using the Jolly Phonics method are invited to register their interest in the training, which is slated for Tuesday15th and Wednesday 16th April at NANA, starting promptly at 9am. The training will be free but expenses for travel and subsistence for the participants are expected to be taken care of by their respective schools.

Only 2 applicants per school will be allowed as space is limited. The places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Some participants will be selected to become trainers, this additional training will take place on 17th March. Permission to attend this training must be sought from the Head teacher of your school.

To register interest, text 7450037 or 9932874 with your name, your school and your contact number. Schools and individuals wishing to formally register can also contact either Momodou Jeng or Momodou Jammeh at the Curriculum Office in 21 Hagan Street Banjul.