Exclusive Interview with Hadiza Imam Muhammad, 1 Million Teachers Mentor
Exclusive Interview with Hadiza Imam Muhammad, 1 Million Teachers Mentor
By Sakina Kilishi JSS Department
Q: What is 1Million Teachers (1MT)?
A: 1MT is an e-learning, digitally designed training program empowering educators worldwide to deliver inclusive, gender-responsive education in under-resourced communities
.Q: What is the mission of 1MT ?
A: Our mission is to cultivate a cadre of skilled education change-makers, fostering grassroots improvements through innovative approaches, utilizing technology and peer-to-peer support.
Q: Who are the partners and donors of 1 MT?
A: Our partners and donors include Queens University Canada, EDVES, GIRL RISING, HP, and individual donors like His Royal Highness the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.
Q: How can one join the program?
A: It’s an e-learning program that can be joined through a state coordinator. In Kano, our state coordinator, Ms. Khadijah Abdulwahab, will onboard interested participants via their email addresses.
Q: How did you join the program?
A: I was onboarded in 2021 by Hajya Lauratu Ado, former Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Education) when about 400 educators and teachers from government schools were selected to join.
Q: What benefits does the program offer to education development?
A: The program builds a critical mass of highly trained and enterprising education change-makers who will lead grassroots improvements, covering areas not addressed in standard training for educators.
Q: Are there men in the program?
A: Yes, there are many men in the program, including proprietors from various schools, vice-chancellors of higher education institutions, and even lawyers.
Q: What challenges did you face?
A: The main challenge was explaining the program’s importance to teachers, especially in the North.
Q: How do you progress in the program?
A: The courses follow a structured progression from Whitebelt to Blackbelt, then to the HP MAT program, where you become a mentee and mentor, cascading your learning to others.
Q: Any words for other teachers?
A: I encourage teachers to reach their highest potential through continuous learning and development. Joining 1MT is an opportunity for professional and personal growth.
