In June, Trinity School hosted a leadership and Kindergarten conference in Togo, West Africa, led by Kindergarten Lead Teachers Jessica Lyles and April Patton, alongside Division Heads Ira Dawson and Sheree Du Preez. The event was a transformative experience for these four members of Team Trinity and the 15 village schools they collaborated with.
Upon arriving in Togo, Jessica, April, Ira, and Sheree were warmly welcomed by village teachers and school leaders eager to learn and share. The seminars focused on classroom management, best teaching practices, effective leadership, and nurturing young children during their formative years.
Sheree Du Preez says, “One of the most heartwarming aspects was the active involvement of our Trinity Kindergarten and First-Grade students. In the months leading up to the conference, they collected supplies like paint, markers, crayons, bulletin board materials, and more. Our team was thrilled to present each school leader and teacher with an insulated lunch box filled with rulers, markers, crayons, a water bottle, a whistle, a jump rope, pens, and a notepad. The joy and gratitude of the Togolese teachers were unforgettable.”
The conference aimed not only to provide professional development but also to build relationships and foster understanding between different cultures and educational systems. Trinity team members were deeply moved by the dedication of the village educators, who, despite limited resources, are committed to providing the best education for their students. The experience left a lasting impact on our teachers, who returned with renewed purpose and valuable insights to share with our school community.
Trinity School is committed to deepening its outreach efforts and strengthening the connections established in Togo. We eagerly anticipate future opportunities to enhance global education and nurture global citizenship among our students. The recent conference in Togo represents a pivotal step toward what academic leaders hope will be a lasting partnership.
Thanks to the dedication of our teachers, the generosity of our students and their families, and the support of our wider community, our team has already made a profound difference in the lives of educators and children in Togo, West Africa.