The English for Education Systems (EES) team at the British Council has been supporting teachers in Myanmar in the form of free teacher training, materials support, knowledge sharing conferences, seminars and workshops. We aim to reach all areas, no matter how difficult the geographical barriers are.

Starting from July 2011, we have visited a number of the most remote places in Myanmar, delivering Teacher Training Workshops for the local teachers who have rarely had such opportunities before. Besides Yangon and Mandalay, the programme has reached several areas: Kyaiton, Taunggyi, Lashio in Shan State, Pagan, Yaynachaung, Meitthila, Taung Tha in Dry Zone, Phaan, Mawlamyaing in Kayin State, Dawei in Tanintharyi Division, Pyinbongyi in Bago Division, Myaunmya, Labutta, Warkhema, Eain Me, Yay Kyi, Chaung Tha, Pathein in Irrewady Delta, Myitkyina in Kachin State, Kalay, Hakha in Chin State and Indaw, Homalin in Sagaing Division.

In Yangon, we have delivered the programme at Monastic Education Centres in Hlaing Thar Yar, Twan Te, Bahan, Shwe Pyi Tha, Mingaladon and Thanlyin. In Mandalay, it has been supporting Phaung Daw Oo and Salay, the two biggest Monastic Education Centres. EES delivered several Teacher Training Workshops for some townships upon the request of the Township Education Officers. The workshops are attended by 20-150 participants, depending on the locations.

The total number of teachers that EES has trained through this programme exceeded 2,000 so far. The attending teachers are from the States Sector, Monastic Sector and Community Based Organisations which are actively participating in the development of education in their areas.

As part of the training, our trainers have shared with the local teachers the latest and best ELT classroom practices. The common topics are Ice-breakers, warmers & fillers, Learning Styles, Multiple-Intelligences, use of flashcards and charts, Lesson Planning, Presentation Techniques, Songs & Games, Presenting New Language, Classroom Management, Giving Instructions, Asking Questions, Eliciting, Correcting Learners, Using Blackboard in the Classroom, among others.

The local teachers find all the topics beneficial and interesting, as well as relevant. We are delighted to have received excellent feedback from all townships where we have delivered the programme. Plans are underway for visits to other remote areas with improved programmes based on the learnings from the previous ones.

Father Paul Dass from St Aloysius Gonzaga Institute said: “The manner in which U Win Myint Naing accomplished the task of conducting the workshop has completely captured the hearts of all our teachers and trainee teachers… Watching him work has been an inspiration and for many of our trainees, he stands out as a role model for future emulation”.