Chevron unveils DLA initiative to boost teaching, learning

In its bid to positively improve the socio economic situation of host communities, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has unveiled the Discovery Learning Alliance (DLA) centre in Delta state. About 13,128 pupils and 789 teachers are to benefit from the scheme.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the DLA learning centre initiative in Warri, Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikini, said the firm completed 10 schools which benefited from the Chevron-DLA learning centre initiative in the state.

He explained that the main goal of the project is to improve educational opportunities for children and communities through school-based learning centres, improve students’ learning and motivation, increase teachers’ effectiveness and increase parents and communities involvement in schools.

According to him, the selected schools were provided with two television sets and DVD players each – one for teachers to preview content and plan lessons and the other for classroom use while numerous teacher training workshops were carried out to give teachers comprehensive introduction on the use of educational videos in the classroom. 

He disclosed that two workshops were also held for community members to expose them to the project and explain their expected roles.

In addition, he said DLA trainers also undertook weekly support to each school, and were critical to improving teaching practices and learning environment.

Former Head Teacher, Ogunu Primary School, Lady Shola Abigor said the DLA project tackled the problem of teachers and modern teaching methods, saying that the effect of the video in the classroom project reflected in the results of the 2013/2014 session when results jumped to 98.28 percent in Ogunu.

Earlier, the Chevron joint venture commissioned a solar powered portable water project for the Osubi Primary and Secondary School.

The project components included solar panels, submersible pump, overhead holding tanks, six dispensing taps as well as a perimeter fence with a gate to provide portable water to the schools.