Teacher Training Strengthens Environmental Education in Congolese Playgroups

To improve the quality of early childhood environmental education within the Education for Conservation (E4C) program, SAVE Wildlife Conservation Fund DRC conducted an intensive teacher training from November 3 to 7, 2025.

Identifying challenges

Prior visits to various playgroups in the region revealed significant challenges: many teachers struggled to implement integrated teaching methods and to align the environmental education content of the E4C program with the national preschool curriculum of the Democratic Republic of Congo. There was also a clear need for additional support in planning educational and environmental activities, as well as in creating truly stimulating learning environments for young children.

Our strategy

In response to these findings, the SAVE-DRC office organized a five-day workshop attended by eight teachers and led by four facilitators. In a constructive and collaborative atmosphere, participants explored key topics:

• Participatory teaching methods adapted to young children
• Planning integrated educational activities
• Monitoring and evaluating children’s holistic development
• Creating stimulating learning environments

Through group work, classroom simulations, and both open and guided discussions, participants were able to share experiences and discover new pedagogical approaches.

Learning Through Nature and Play

A particular focus was placed on play-based learning: teachers learned how games, songs, and storytelling promote children’s holistic development. Innovative approaches such as teaching counting and reading using natural objects—trees, animals, and other elements from nature—connect environmental education with fundamental learning skills.

Ms. Ange from the Vitshumbi playgroup shares: “Before the training, it was difficult to create new games, stories, and songs to help children understand the lessons I was teaching. Now I feel confident because I can create games, songs, and stories based on the lesson and the animal of the day. I was especially happy to learn how to teach children to count and read using natural objects like trees, animals, and other elements from nature. My group will be more vibrant and engaging, with children actively participating in activities.”

Mr. Sylvin from the playgroup in Rumangabo adds: “These five days of training helped me improve both my teaching and organizational skills. I learned how to plan lessons that integrate multiple learning areas—language, creativity, and social skills. The training gave me practical tools for designing, implementing, and evaluating mini-projects in my playgroup. I can now effectively link the E4C approach with the national early childhood education curriculum.”

Sustainable Impact

The training represents an important building block in strengthening educational quality within the E4C program. By empowering teachers to foster environmental awareness from early childhood, SAVE lays the foundation for a generation that values and protects nature and wildlife. Our goal is to conserve species sustainably through community development, environmental education and wildlife protection. We have four playgroups in the DRC where 258 preschool children learn about the environment. The positive feedback from the teachers in our workshop demonstrates that investments in pedagogical skills directly impact children’s learning experiences—and thus the future of conservation in the region.