CWEF’s REACH program provides training for teachers of at-risk students through team building, self-awareness, goal setting, interpersonal communication, emotional management and volunteer service. The program aims to enhance the resilience of young people, helping them to overcome challenges in their daily life and school life. In July, nine teachers from three schools (Renhua School, Heshan School and Deqing Confucius School) attended the annual four-day REACH training in Hong Kong.
In order to support the teachers of the schools and to help them better deliver the contents of the REACH program to the students, CWEF organizes Teachers’ Workshop on a regular basis every year. The workshop aims to enhance their teaching skills, strengthen their sense of mission in the REACH program, and to seek a solution together for any problems encountered.
Training was enhanced by several new tools and activities. The theory of the Johari Window—an activity and model for increasing self-understanding, and the DISC personality test provided teachers with additional instruments and models for increasing student resiliency. School visits, presentations by a social worker and administrator, and other team building activities provided both content and opportunities for on-site training.
One REACH teacher reflected, “I am inspired by the Johari Window—it helps me to better understand myself. I am motivated towards a life goal. I think I can apply what I have learned and I will use it in my work, in my life and in the REACH program in my school.”