To browse Academia. The paper describes a qualitative evaluation of a pioneering field-based training program for early childhood education teachers in the Solomon Islands. The program aims to enhance the skills and confidence of untrained kindergarten teachers through reflective practices, fostering sensitivity toward gender issues, cultural identity, and inclusive education.
The findings highlight significant improvements in teacher competencies and the promotion of gender equity despite cultural challenges, suggesting implications for foreign aid and early childhood educational practices in similar contexts.
The village leaders and early childhood teachers have practised knowledge and understanding of Kolombangara indigenous cultural pedagogies in caring and teaching young children. This study explores and examines how the village leaders and early childhood teachers gain knowledge, understanding and experiences through their leadership roles care and teach young children. Data were collected through the semi-structured interviews individually and in focus groups.
The key finding of the study reveals that the caring and teaching practices of young children originate from Saki Rai Takopo, wisdom from Mt. Rano crater Koqu Rano , by god Leve the creator and the angelic beings through the creation story of the island.
The wisdom is sacred and rooted in beliefs, values and ninanau teaching practices in the entire functioning of tribes and families in Kolombangara society.
