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IOL News
a day ago
- Science
- IOL News
The importance of having strict teacher training
At the end of 2023, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Education Research Report was released, and it found that only 55% of Grade 6 teachers could read for comprehension at a Grade 4 level. The report also found that 80% of Grade 6 mathematics learners were taught by teachers with subject knowledge below the level of the grade being taught. Solving this crisis won't be simple, nor is it a quick fix. As Professor Divya Singh, Chief Academic Officer at JSE-listed higher education provider, STADIO says, 'Quality of teaching, and understanding what is required and where intervention is needed to improve the current situation is multifaceted and complex. It will require an integrated solution from a variety of roleplayers.' However, something must be done, and done urgently given the national crisis and shortage of skilled teachers. Among the interventions required to correct this gravely concerning issue, are two key areas on which tertiary institutions should focus; (i) investing deeply and carefully in their teacher training curricula to build a cadre of teachers who are properly capacitated and skilled to practice their profession; and (ii) providing bridging support for students who have come through the primary and secondary school systems, and wish to access higher education qualifications but do not have the admission requirements. Why focus on standards? Maintaining stringent training standards for teachers in South Africa is crucial for several reasons. One is that these standards help support a robust and equitable education system that meets the needs of each learner and contributes to the development of the country. Another reason is that high standards underpin professionalism and ethical conduct among teachers. Teachers are role models for learners and their behaviour influences the ethical and moral development of the young people they teach. Both and, not either or Singh says that STADIO has found that it is important to strike a balance between supporting students studying to become teachers to bridge gaps between their own secondary and tertiary education, while also protecting academic standards at the tertiary level. 'Support and academic standards are not an either/or concept but should be seen as complementary. To maintain academic standards, it is critical to ensure that students can progress with the required learning. Many students entering higher education from school are not ready for higher education for manifold reasons,' says Singh. Teaching has been described as a noble profession – our teachers must understand the critical role they play, and be committed to promoting the nobility of their profession. STADIO's Academic Promise informs the academic strategy which is focused on widening access (with success). The aim is to eliminate unfair barriers to access and allow all qualifying students the opportunity to enter higher education, but critically also helping to ensure that they succeed once they get there. Effective maths support programmes This type of support is especially important for students who are studying to become educators themselves. STADIO has around 10 000 students enrolled in its education programmes and its maths support programmes, which are offered to all students, are particularly pertinent for this group of students. The maths support programmes can help break the otherwise disastrous cycle of new teachers being ill-equipped with sufficient maths knowledge as they themselves join the teaching workforce. These support programmes are integrated into the curriculum and offer students different approaches to covering the requisite maths content, building their capabilities as they pursue their student journey. The intervention gives them the space to develop the necessary skills and knowledge at a pace and with support that helps them achieve overall success. 'We are determined not to compromise on standards when it comes to mathematics competencies, but it also doesn't need to be a 'sink or swim' situation for students. The advantage of this system is that we are able to offer more direct support to our students without specifically holding them back,' says Singh. Rather than exclude students who do not have the required maths results, Singh explains that the STADIO approach creates an opportunity for them to continue with their higher education studies but also responsibly ensures that students are equipped with the right knowledge. 'Students then don't lose out timewise and are still armed with the necessary knowledge and skills for success,' she says. These initiatives, along with robust teaching practice and theoretical grounding in their courses, are helping to develop and equip future generations of teachers who will help to mitigate the crisis currently facing South Africa's education system.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Women entrepreneurs and sustainable brands shine at Lucknow Farmers Market
1 2 Lucknow: Over 5,000 farmers, startups and community groups participated in the Lucknow Farmers Market (LFM) online and offline on Sunday. Organised at Habibullah Estate here, over 80% of the participating entrepreneurs were women, showcasing their produce, including organic dals, spices, fresh vegetables, candles, cosmetics and baked goods. Homegrown brands such as Candlerea, The Masala Box, Our Pasta Lab and Vedic Organic Farming embodied the spirit of mindful consumption at the LFM. "At the heart of the LFM is the belief that nurturing our communities begins with empowering women, honouring mothers and healing our planet," said founder of LFM Jyotsana Kaur favourites included 'Maaji ke Haathon ka Achaar' by Divya Singh, born during the pandemic and Madhu Makkhi, Safura Haider's brand offering organic honey and mustard oil. Other highlights at the market included Just Cakes and Yellow House, which delighted visitors with their colourful array of bakery treats. From freshly baked doughnuts and cupcakes to handcrafted candies and marshmallows, their stalls added a sweet charm to the festive atmosphere. One standout stalls was Combucha Garden by Gopal Krishna Agarwal, startup promoting gut health through handcrafted probiotic founder of Maaji ke Haathon ka Achaar, Divya Singh, said, "During the pandemic, when the world came to a standstill, I found comfort in the kitchen with my mother. That's when 'Maaji ke Haathon ka Achaar' was born not just as a product, but as a memory preserved in every jar. Each flavour is inspired by recipes passed down through generations, made with love and a deep desire to bring the taste of 'ghar ka khana' back to people's lives. It's more than just achaar; it's nostalgia, resilience, and the warmth of home, bottled and shared with the world.""It's a daily dose of natural wellness. Our Combucha is brewed in small batches, with care and conscience, to support gut health while respecting the planet. Through our return-and-recycle model, we're not just nourishing bodies, but also building a sustainable future, one bottle at a time," said the founder of Combucha Garden, Gopal market also promoted Thalassemia Week, in collaboration with BloodConnect, reinforcing health and community care. A book swap station and participation from the Fridays for Future climate movement, led by Ashutosh Tiwari (Pan-India coordinator), brought attention to climate justice and youth music added festive cheer, while heartfelt tributes to mothers created an emotional touch. LFM continues its decade-long journey to support farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs while nurturing both Mother Earth and motherhood through sustainability and shared community values. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Associated Press
12-02-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Dove saves Canada's skin with bottle that shows when your shower is very hot
First ever smart label on Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash detects when the water is very hot, supporting skin moisture and promoting healthier shower habits. TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As temperature drops in winter, many turn to hot showers for warmth--especially newcomers who aren't used to the cold weather. Unfortunately, this momentary relief can disrupt the skin's moisture barrier, leaving it dry and vulnerable – especially during Canada's harsh winters. As leaders of skincare and moisturization, Dove saw this as an opportunity to help Canadians make better choices for their skin with the Dove Shower Sensor Deep Moisture Body Wash. The bottle is designed to support better skin by gently alerting when your shower water temperature is very hot— helping to preserve the skin's natural moisture and softness. When exposed to running water above 41°C the Dove Shower Sensor Technology activates, displaying a 'VERY HOT' warning on the bottle to encourage a more skin-friendly shower temperature. This simple yet effective reminder ensures skin stays hydrated and nourished, critical for the cold winter months. The Dove Shower Sensor Deep Moisture Body Wash seamlessly blends advanced technology with the gentle care Dove is celebrated for. The product transforms a simple shower into an elevated experience by offering skin-loving ingredients inside the bottle and intuitive guidance on the outside. This thoughtful approach helps Canadians create a skin-positive routine that enhances both comfort and skin's moisture. 'Skin care is about more than products—it's about empowering Canadians to build habits that nourish helps to protect skin's moisture,' said Divya Singh, Head of Personal Care, Unilever Canada. 'Dove Shower Sensor takes everyday showering to a new level, offering a simple yet impactful way to care for the skin's natural vitality. This innovation reflects our ongoing dedication to helping Canadians embrace healthier, more confident skin.' As the #1 dermatologist-recommended body wash, Dove Shower Sensor Deep Moisture Body Wash the product delivers 24h lotion-soft skin, helping you feel comfortable and nourished all day. PETA-certified cruelty-free and microbiome gentle, it comes in a 100% recycled plastic bottle, making it a thoughtful choice for both your skin and the planet. Dove Shower Sensor Deep Moisture Body Wash is now available exclusively on To learn more, please visit About Dove Dove started its life in 1957 in the US, with the launch of the Beauty Bar, with its patented blend of mild cleansers and ¼ moisturizing cream. Dove's heritage is based on moisturization, and it is proof not promises that enabled Dove to grow from a Beauty Bar into one of the world's most beloved beauty brands. Women have always been our inspiration and since the beginning, we have been wholly committed to providing superior care to all women and to championing real beauty in our advertising. Dove believes that beauty is for everyone. That beauty should be a source of confidence and not anxiety. Dove's mission is to inspire women everywhere to develop a positive relationship with the way they look and realize their personal potential for beauty. For more than 65 years, Dove has been committed to broadening the narrow definition of beauty in the work they do. With the 'Dove Real Beauty Pledge,' Dove vows to: Portray women with honesty, diversity and respect. We feature women of different ages, sizes, ethnicities, hair color, type, and style. Portray women as they are in real life, with zero digital distortion and all images approved by the women they feature. Help young people build body confidence and self-esteem through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, the biggest provider of self-esteem education in the world. About Unilever in North America Unilever is one of the world's leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. We have 127,000 employees and generated sales of €59.6 billion in 2023. Our leading brands in North America include Dove, Hellmann's, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, TRESemmé, Knorr, Magnum, Ben & Jerry's, Nutrafol, Liquid I.V., Paula's Choice, and Dermalogica.
