In this episode of Class Dismissed, Dr. K sits down with Mr. Pelem, a dedicated teacher in rural Plateau State, Nigeria, to explore how insecurity is disrupting education in his community. Together, they unpack the daily challenges that students and teachers face—school closures, fear, emotional trauma, and learning gaps.

Mr. Pelem shares the creative ways teachers keep students engaged, including storytelling, one-on-one encouragement, and utilizing online platforms like WhatsApp when physical classes are not possible.

The conversation highlights the critical role of community involvement, such as active Parent-Teacher Associations and local security partnerships, in creating safer learning environments.

Listeners will also hear practical suggestions for recovery, like implementing accelerated learning programs, prioritizing foundational skills, and using radio, print, and low-tech tools to reach learners without digital access.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience of teachers and students in crisis-affected regions—and the importance of supporting education not just through policy, but through empathy, creativity, and community action.

Class dismissed—until next time, let’s keep the conversation going!

In this episode of Class Dismissed with Dr. K, we sit down with Gyamesi Augustina, a passionate early childhood educator from the Ashanti Region of Ghana. With over 18 years of experience, Augustina shares her journey teaching kindergarten in rural communities, highlighting the deep gaps in early childhood education and the creative ways teachers are bridging them with limited resources. We discuss the challenges of underfunded classrooms, the undervaluing of early education, the critical role of community support, and practical solutions that can transform rural learning. It's a powerful, eye-opening conversation on why early education must be prioritized to change the future.

Class dismissed—until next time, let’s keep the conversation going!

In this episode of Class Dismissed with Dr. Kay, Dr. Kachi, founder of Train the Trainer (TTT), discusses her mission to empower teachers, especially in rural communities, and restore dignity to the teaching profession. She shares insights from her own journey in education, from teaching in universities to creating innovative solutions for teacher training in underserved areas.

Dr. Kachi emphasizes the importance of mindset in education, particularly how teachers can use what they have to create impactful learning experiences, despite limited resources. She highlights the challenges teachers face, such as low pay, lack of respect, overwork, and insufficient training, while offering practical advice on how to address these issues, including fostering collaboration and utilizing technology creatively.

The conversation also touches on how parents and policymakers can support teachers, the need for a curriculum overhaul, and the role of government in improving infrastructure and teacher compensation.

Dr. Kachi's words inspire listeners to appreciate teachers' work and advocate for systemic changes in education, all while maintaining hope and determination to make a positive difference.

Class dismissed—until next time, let’s keep the conversation going!

In the debut episode of Class Dismissed with Dr. K, host Dr. Somachi Kachikwu dives into the heart of why this podcast exists. Education is often called the great equalizer, but access to quality learning remains out of reach for millions of students in rural communities. While policymakers and education reformers push for innovation, the voices of rural educators—the very people shaping the future of these students—are rarely part of the conversation.

Dr. K unpacks the realities of rural education, from overcrowded classrooms and resource gaps to the resilience of teachers making learning happen despite the odds. She explores why amplifying these voices is not just an education issue, but a justice issue, an economic issue, and a global development priority.

This episode sets the stage for what’s to come—real stories, meaningful solutions, and a fresh perspective on the future of learning. If you care about education, equity, and the power of teachers to drive change, this is where the conversation begins.

🎧 Tune in and be part of the movement to rethink education—one conversation at a time.

Class dismissed—until next time, let’s keep the conversation going!