NGO Trains 400 Teachers in Kaduna State on Innovative ‘Jolly Player’ Teaching Device
The NGO Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) has trained 400 teachers in Kaduna State on the use of the 'jolly player,' a digital teaching device designed to enhance educational quality.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a significant move to improve educational quality in Kaduna State, the NGO Universal Learning Solutions (ULS) has successfully trained 400 teachers on the effective use of the ‘jolly player,’ an innovative digital teaching device. This initiative aims to enhance learning experiences for pupils across the state.
The training, held on Wednesday in Kaduna, was led by Abbas Muhammad, ULS Technical Education Specialist. He explained that the jolly player includes recordings of all 43 jolly phonics letter sound lessons and accompanying storybooks, making it a versatile tool for educators.
Muhammad emphasized that ULS has been focusing on equipping teachers not just with reading and writing skills but also on fostering comprehension, listening skills, and vocabulary development. He noted that the adoption of the jolly player is a strategic move to modernize teaching methods.
Raheenatu Jumare, the Jolly Phonics Project Coordinator at ULS, shared insights on the multimedia capabilities of the jolly player, stating it is designed to revolutionize the educational landscape. “By leveraging technology, we aim to create a more enjoyable and inclusive learning experience for pupils,” she said, highlighting the necessity for schools to bridge the technology gap.
The training session included teachers from all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna, organized into three zones. Jumare mentioned that while the second and third zones were currently undergoing training, sessions for the first zone would commence on Friday.
One of the participants, Patience Kaciro, a teacher at LGEA Primary School in Mahuta, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative. She remarked, “Teaching is supposed to be fun, and the jolly player incorporates engaging methods that capture pupils’ attention, especially through decodable stories. It will significantly enhance grammar lessons, making them easier for my students to understand.”
The training also featured interactive lessons and assessment tools, making grammar teaching more effective and enjoyable. Abdullahi Adamu, one of the facilitators, introduced teachers to the device's features, including sound pronunciations and interactive content.
The jolly player is designed with three alternative power sources: solar, electric, and an inbuilt manual rotator for generating power, ensuring its usability in various environments.
This initiative by ULS represents a pivotal step towards integrating technology into education in Kaduna State, aiming to create a more engaging and effective learning environment for students.
