News from the Mission
First African Iteration of America's National Writing Project
September 20, 2008
One of the most popular and successful professional development networks in the United States, The National Writing Project (NWP), made its first appearance in Africa September 15-20 on the Mamelodi Campus of the University of Pretoria where 31 township primary and secondary school teachers participated in a writing workshop.
The workshop was led by two esteemed American academics, Dr. Richard Sterling, director emeritus of the NWP, and Stanford Senior Scholar Dr. Ann Lieberman, whose research shows a correlation between teachers’ participation in the NWP and improved writing in their students. The Embassy's Regional English Language Office aided in the planning, participated in the project and provided materials for the teachers, also providing some funding support for the Project.
One teacher’s comment in his final evaluation of the workshop was indicative of its influence; “It was a revelation to know that teachers could empower one another to become leaders in their community.”