The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Israeli government yesterday commenced a two-week intensive training programme for education officers, cluster monitors and head teachers on instructional leadership from theory to practice.

The training, which is currently underway at the Baobab Lodge, among others, seeks to improve teaching and learning conditions in schools.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Kunkung Jobarteh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, underscored the importance of the training, noting that it seeks to improve teaching and learning in schools.

DPS Jobarteh, however, revealed that during the two weeks training participants would be exposed to various forms of leadership from the technical point of view, active evaluation, better teaching for better learning, among other vital aspects.

According to Mr. Jobarteh, his ministry looks at three things in education, which he stated are access, quality, and relevant. These, he went on, are essential qualities.

He further expressed optimism that the training would go a long way in addressing certain challenges in the area of teaching, while urging the participants to make the best use of the training.

Mr. Jobarteh said that without education there cannot be any meaningful development. He commended the government of Israeli for providing two senior course instructors.

For her part, Mrs. Fatou Njie Jallow, the Human Resources Manager at the same ministry, said the training is geared towards improving quality education and quality in classroom, teaching and learning aids, management of human and material resources.

Mrs. Njie-Jallow implored participants to make good contributions during the course of the session.

She also commended the Israeli government for what she described as a close partnership.

The Chief Instructor of the course, Dr. Koby Gutterman and his wife Mrs. Gutterman, both spoke at the ceremony.