Children need school environment that can help them make right choices – Anakweze
The founder of Pasture Gate Montessori School (PGMS) in Okota, Lagos has said that treating school children like “containers” that need to be filled with information does not help them.
Speaking during the 12th anniversary of PGMS, Courage Anakweze said that schools must establish a setting that supports students’ problem-solving abilities.
Instead of fostering an environment for discovery, research, and problem-solving, Anakwueze said, “We still have a tendency to treat our students like containers that need to be filled with information.”
According to her, the school intends to implement a comprehensive experiential learning curriculum that will include cutting-edge learning technology and fully develop kids’ natural interests and activities.
PGMS was established in January 2011 with a total of 4 pupils, working under the direction of veteran educator Anakweze, who has had years of classroom experience.
After thirteen years of teaching, Anakweze remarked, “I completed a program at the University of Nottingham that opened my eyes to excellent practices in education.”
“After that programme, I realised schooling could be improved. So, after praying to God and receiving his permission to launch PGMS, I resigned.
Anakwueze insisted that PGMS does not have a secondary school yet because “I believe strongly that secondary education should be more entrepreneurial in nature and should be sited on vast expanses of land.”
According to her, although the quality of education in Nigeria, particularly at the primary level, is commendable, she explained that there is a need for reform and the incorporation of technology.
Since then, PGMS has expanded into a renowned children’s learning facility.
In addition to academic achievement, Anakweze said, “We have received first-place medals and trophies in music, chess, and more.”
She stated that PGMS is on the right track to establishing itself as “a full Montessori school where students have the chance to own their learning. We anticipate using technology more frequently as well.
Children are offered excellent care both during school hours and after school in the welcoming and accommodating setting of the school. It is also dedicated to providing a variety of extracurricular activities, such as swimming, chess, ballet, and music, to ensure that all of our students have equal chances.
