EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt
As part of it’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity and sustainable development in Nigeria, especially in the education sector, a non-governmental organization, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria, has empowered over fifty teachers in Rivers State with a workforce training programme.
The training, which was held at Rubies Academy in Port Harcourt, focused on enhancing teachers’ skills in classroom management, mental health, emotional intelligence, and motivation to thrive in the nation’s educational environment.
The training featured impactful sessions on classroom management and pedagogy, interpersonal and intra personal relationships, among school stakeholders, with experts led by Dr. Mazi Eze, Dr. Ossisoma, JCI Senator Prof. Akubueye, and JCI Amb. Dr. Faith Barilera is equipping the teachers with practical tools and skills, leadership insights, and emotional resilience strategies.
President of JCI, Trans Amadi chapter in Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Faith Barilera, in her presentation on Mental Health: Balancing Emotions and Work, said the training was part of JCI’s RISE Initiative, aimed at driving workforce motivation and community transformation, while emphasising the importance of emotional resilience.
Dr. Barilera, a Certified Mental Health Professional and Trauma Manager, explained that the initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 3, and 8, promoting quality education, good health, and decent work.
According to her, “JCI is a global network of young active citizens aged 18–40 who are committed to creating positive change in their communities. JCI operates in over 120 countries, empowering young people to develop leadership skills, create sustainable solutions, and drive impact in areas such as education, health, economic empowerment, and good governance.
“JCI stands for leadership, service, active citizenship, and sustainable impact. Through initiatives like JCI RISE, the organization focuses on workforce motivation, leadership development, and community transformation, ensuring that young people are equipped to lead change in a rapidly evolving world.
“Under the JCI RISE Initiative, we focus on workforce motivation and emphasized how teachers can manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain emotional balance while remaining effective.
“This training aligns with Impact4Change, ensuring that wellbeing translates into better performance and sustainable impact in schools.”
Barilera advised teachers to always prioritize their mental health, seek support when needed, and support one another, adding that “a healthy teacher builds a healthy learning environment, and that is how sustainable change happens.”
She urged young, vibrant, and purpose-driven Nigerians who are passionate about leadership, service, and nation-building to join the JCI, assuring that it provides a platform to grow their capacity, expand their network, and make a measurable impact.
“By joining JCI Trans Amadi, you become part of a global movement that believes in solutions over complaints, impact over intentions, and action over excuses. Together, through JCI RISE and Impact4Change, we are shaping leaders, empowering communities, and changing our world, with one project at a time,” she said.
Barilera who described the training as a huge success, commended the efforts of members of the organisation and also appreciated partners, volunteers, and management of the Rubies Academy for their cooperation.
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