About PSA

The Ohio Northern University Department of Education has initiated a partnership with the public schools of Lepisi Village in rural South Africa. With the support of the Ada Rotary, Rotary International, Ohio Northern University, and individual donors, a team of three ONU personnel will travel to South Africa to train teachers. Principals of the high school and primary school have indicated need for technology training, teacher professional development, and training in child development. Nathan Oliver, educational technology expert; Dr. Diana Garver, literacy specialist; and Dr. Sandra Crosser, specialist in early childhood education will spend two weeks working with teachers and administrators. As this is a continuing project of the Department of Education, the team members will work with local school personnel to develop needs assessment and plans for future involvement of the partners.

There are approximately 1200 students in the high school and primary school at Lephisi Village. Sandy Crosser, from the Teacher Education Department, met with the principals over Spring Break in February and made the initial contact. Principals were given gifts for the children including library books purchased through donations from the Ada Rotary Club. Principals indicated a need for food for the children, training in technology, training in child development, teacher professional development, books, and a microscope. The Rotary members supported the effort to continue the partnership, and suggested that we apply for a Rotary travel grant to supply teacher training needs.
Three people from ONU have been invited to work with teachers at Lephisi for two weeks during the month of August to provide professional development in literacy and technology training.

For more information contact Diana Garver.