TALULAR is an acronym for Teaching and Learning Using Locally Available Resources, an approach that has been in use in Zambia since the early 2000s.Materials made through the TALULAR approach support teachers in teaching and in implementing the Learning through Play (LtP) pedagogy. Through TALULAR, teachers are encouraged to be more resourceful, to enhance interactive learning and to motivate learners to experiment, overcome challenges and make connections by using what is available to them. For teachers, the use of locally available materials such as sacks, boxes, sticks, seeds, clay, plastics among other materials found in the local environment, helps them an open mind to exploring new ideas, appreciate creativity and respond to different needs of learners.
Futhermore, in an environment where ready-made teaching and learning materials are scarce, TALULAR provides opportunities for more independent play in groups which allows the teacher to dedicate more time to other assignments, such as following up on individual learners who may need additional support. It also allows the teacher to see if any child is not participating and try to understand the reasons why. In order to adequately skill ECE teachers in the use of TALULAR, and ensure materials are appreciated by both girls and boys, VVOB has conducted Training of Trainer capacity building for District Education Officers in all the districts in Zambia's Central Province.
Each trained officer is, in turn, expected to roll out the training to other ECE and grade 1 teachers. So far, over 1700 ECE and grade 1 teachers have been trained in Central Province. It is expected that teachers will have acquired the skills to plan, teach and assess their learners using TALULAR resources that are play-based and gender responsive, to maximize the learning in their classes. The Programme is implemented in collaboration with the Zambian Ministry of Education (MoE).