Train to Transform: DESUFOP-EEC strengthens the capacities of its educational stakeholders for active and participatory pedagogy in the service of peace

Train to Transform: DESUFOP-EEC strengthens the capacities of its educational stakeholders for active and participatory pedagogy in the service of peace

From July 7 to 11, 2025, the Department of School, University, and Vocational Training of the Evangelical Church of Cameroon (DESUFOP-EEC), with financial support from Bread for the World in Germany, conducted an intensive five-day seminar. More than twenty regional trainers and focal points of the Pedagogical Innovation and Revitalization Program (PIRP) were trained, with the aim of better implementing the program in EEC schools.

Key Themes for Innovative Peace-Focused Pedagogy

The seminar covered three key areas:

• Planning active and participatory teaching/learning (Module III-PIRP): How to design engaging and creative activities.

• Documenting conflicts resolved by teachers: Equipping educators to better manage and effectively record conflict situations. • Monitoring of PIRP modules I & II: Ensure proper implementation of the content of modules I & II of the program.

A Seminar Rich in Discussions and Practice

From the first day, the emphasis was on integration and collaboration, with activities to “get to know each other” and establish common rules. A meditation inspired by the Book of Esther (chapter 4, verses 10 to 16) reminded everyone of their “mandate in education,” emphasizing the importance of individual action, regardless of rank. The following days were highly interactive.

The second day began with a knowledge test on PIRP Modules I and II, following the morning rituals of welcome, meditation, and feedback. One of the facilitators then took the participants through the history of education, highlighting the evolving roles of teacher and student, and the imperative of staying abreast of pedagogical advances. The importance of the SMART method for formulating educational objectives was strongly emphasized.

Through a stimulating game, participants identified the fundamental principles of a good lesson: participation, application, and a learner-centered approach. A brainstorming session identified key elements in lesson planning, leading to an evening of group work on developing lesson sheets adapted to different cycles (nursery and primary) and grade levels (levels I, II, and III).

A highlight of the day was the workshop on documenting conflict cases resolved by teachers. Participants were introduced to additional conflict management tools such as the “relationship map,” the “problem/conflict tree,” and the “PIN-enhanced onion,” aimed at better equipping teachers in conflict resolution.

A Strong Commitment to the Future of Education

The final day provided an opportunity to review the content, review the knowledge test (with a focus on nonviolent communication), and conduct an overall evaluation of the seminar. Participants expressed their gratitude and satisfaction.

The closing remarks, followed by the recitation of poems inspired by the authors’ experiences and transformation through the program, confirmed the participants’ commitment to sharing their learning and putting it into practice in the field. This seminar marks an important step in strengthening the skills of educational stakeholders, thus laying the foundation for a smooth and effective implementation of the PIRP in the EEC school districts in particular and for the continuous improvement of the education system in Cameroon in general.

Claire Ngo Mbom