Researchers in early childhood education stress the importance of ongoing professional development. All staff working in early childhood education and care centers must continuously update their skills.
With this in mind, the University of Vavuniya and Care for Education (NGO) are planning to hold continuing education workshops for the professional development of early childhood teachers. The first workshop was Montessori Child Education workshop held from 13th to the 17th of September 2024, for 114 early childhood teachers at the University of Vavuniya in partnership with Care for Education, which generously funded the entire event. Teachers from Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya and upcountry participated in this session.
The event was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Vavuniya, Prof. A. Atputharajah. The curriculum for the workshop was designed by esteemed resource person Ms. Kavipriya Velusamy, Montessori and Phonics Educator from Sri Balaji Vocational Skill Development Academy, Tamil Nadu, India. The workshop was filled with hands-on activities and interactive learning aimed at enhancing experience in Montessori Child Education.
On the final day of the event, President of Care for Education Ms. Sinthuka Vivekanathan and Mr. Gengatharan Chelliah, the Accountant, participated along with the Vice- Chancellor and presented certificates to the participants. The workshop was planned by Dr. (Mrs). P. S. Skantharajah, Project Advisor, Care for Education with the assistant of Ms. Shobana Raja, Project Coordinator, Care for Education. The management of the event was done by Mr. S. Shanmugathasan, Librarian (Actg.) and the Academic Coordinator of the Diploma in Early Childhood Education. This was a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.
Why the University of Vavuniya Organized This Workshop
The Importance of Early Childhood Education Professional Development
The University of Vavuniya therefore took proactive steps to address this gap by organizing the Montessori Child Education Workshop as a practical and impactful professional development initiative. Furthermore, by partnering with Care for Education NGO, the university ensured that all 114 participating teachers could attend this valuable workshop completely free of charge.
Participating Regions
Teachers from the following regions actively participated in the Montessori Child Education Workshop University of Vavuniya:
- Jaffna – Northern Province
- Mullaitivu – Northern Province
- Mannar – Northern Province
- Vavuniya – Northern Province
- Upcountry – Central Province regions
This wide geographic participation demonstrates the strong demand for Montessori education training among early childhood teachers across multiple provinces of Sri Lanka.
Impact of the Montessori Workshop on Participating Teachers
How Did This Workshop Benefit Early Childhood Educators?
The Montessori Child Education Workshop University of Vavuniya delivered significant professional benefits to all 114 participating teachers. Consequently, these educators returned to their respective schools and care centers equipped with:
- Comprehensive knowledge of Montessori education principles and methods
- Practical skills for implementing Montessori techniques in their classrooms
- New strategies for creating child-friendly and stimulating learning environments
- Improved ability to support the holistic development of young children
- Professional networks with fellow early childhood educators from across Sri Lanka
- Increased confidence in delivering quality early childhood education programs
Moreover, the workshop created a powerful ripple effect throughout the education communities these teachers serve, ultimately benefiting thousands of young children across the Northern Province and upcountry regions.
Partnership With Care for Education NGO
The University of Vavuniya acknowledges and deeply appreciates the generous support of Care for Education NGO in making this Montessori Child Education Workshop possible. Care for Education funded the entire event, ensuring that all 114 participating teachers could attend without any financial burden.
This successful partnership between the University of Vavuniya and Care for Education demonstrates the powerful impact that academic institutions and civil society organizations can achieve when they collaborate for the benefit of Sri Lankan communities. Therefore, the university looks forward to continuing and expanding this valuable partnership in future professional development programs.
Future Workshops and Continuing Education Programs
The University of Vavuniya and Care for Education NGO plan to organize additional continuing education workshops for early childhood teachers following the success of this inaugural Montessori Child Education Workshop University of Vavuniya. Furthermore, future programs will cover additional areas of early childhood education and professional development to serve the growing needs of teachers across Sri Lanka.
Additionally, check the University of Vavuniya events page for announcements about upcoming workshops and professional development programs.
