The 2010 Dominica Association of Teachers, Canadian Teachers’ Federation and Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development Summer Workshops began with an Opening Ceremony today July 12 at the Convent High School in Roseau.

The ceremony was addressed by Canadian Team Leader for Project Overseas Ms. Fernanda Ferrera.  She expressed pleasure and delight to be part of Project Overseas in Dominica for a second time – her first being fifteen (15) years ago. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and skills as well as learning from the Dominican teachers.

Fernanda Ferrera – 2010 Project Overseas Team Leader

Minister for Education, the Honorable Petter Saint Jean also addressed the function.  In his address, he applauded the Dominica Association of Teachers for its continued role in the professional Development of Teachers. Mr. St. Jean applauded the Canadian Teachers Federation for continuing the work started by the government of Canada through the Organization for Cooperation in Overseas Development (OCOD) Program.

President of the Dominica Association of Teachers – Mrs. Celia Nicholas welcomed the Canadian Teachers to Dominica.  She thanked the Canadian Teachers’ Federation for continuing to partner with the Dominica Association of Teachers to ensure that the summer workshops continue.  In making the observation, Mrs. Nicholas paid tribute to the pioneers of the Union who had the vision and wisdom to initiate the project when OCOD funds were no longer available.  Mrs. Nicholas went on to recognize a one of the pioneers – Mrs. Valentine Johnson who was present at the function.

Over the next two weeks well over 100 teachers will engage in sharing and learning new ideas in four disciplines under the direction and guidance of Canadian and Dominican facilitators as shown in the matrix below.