US PE Specialists Team Up with Zambian Teachers to Boost Physical Education
A team of Physical Education (PE) experts from the United States has arrived in Zambia to deliver a comprehensive training program aimed at empowering the country’s PE and sports teachers.
The visiting delegation, representing supportREALteachers.org (SRT), came at the invitation of the Physical Education and Sports Teachers’ Association of Zambia (PESTAZ). A workshop is currently underway at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka, with participants drawn from all ten of Zambia’s provinces.
This initiative seeks to equip PE teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality physical education experiences to students in both primary and secondary schools.
Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima expressed his ministry’s strong support for the partnership between PESTAZ and SRT during the workshop’s official opening.
He highlighted his expectation that the trained teachers will have a long-lasting and positive impact on how PE is taught across Zambia.
Hon. Syakalima emphasized that the program will cover recently developed standards and learning indicators tailored to specific grade levels. This will provide a structured framework for ensuring high-quality PE within the Zambian curriculum, promoting consistent and effective teaching methodologies.
“The nationwide impact of this initiative cannot be overstated,” the Minister declared. “The trainers equipped through this program will be able to offer professional learning opportunities to other PE teachers in their respective provinces, creating a sustainable model for ongoing professional development.”
Leading the delegation, Dr. Collin Brooks explained SRT’s mission as challenging traditional PE programs to become part of the solution in tackling physical inactivity within society.
He underscored SRT’s advocacy for high-quality PE delivered by qualified PE teachers. Their aim is to equip all students with the skills, knowledge, and desire to be physically active throughout their lives.
“Our goal is to build capacity for PE and sports teachers in Zambian schools by enhancing their skillset with modern, comprehensive methods,” Dr. Brooks stated. “We’re starting with 65 PE teachers, and aim to see this program have a ripple effect across the country.”
PESTAZ president Maybin Sia expressed his organisation’s delight at collaborating with SRT.
He added that PE plays a critical role in fostering not only physical development but also essential life skills like teamwork and discipline in children.
