YALI empowers female teachers with AI skills in Anambra outreach

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

As global conversations intensify around the future of work and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, educators are increasingly being called upon to adapt to a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In Anambra State, this shift is already taking shape.

To commemorate International Women’s Day 2026, YALI Network Anambra organized a targeted outreach aimed at equipping female teachers with practical Artificial Intelligence skills for the modern classroom.

The initiative was held at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Onitsha, where more than ten female teachers participated in a hands-on training session designed to bridge the digital skills gap in primary education.

Setting the tone for the event, the State Coordinator of YALI Network Anambra, Victor Onyekwelu, emphasized the urgency of preparing teachers for the realities of a technology-driven world. He noted that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept but a present-day tool reshaping industries and redefining how knowledge is delivered and absorbed in classrooms.

He further highlighted practical ways teachers can integrate AI into their teaching processes to enhance learning outcomes.

The training session was facilitated by the Communications and Social Media Manager of YALI Network Anambra, Precious Ogbuka, who led participants through an engaging and practical demonstration of AI tools.

Rather than relying on theory, the session focused on real-time application. Using a mobile phone, the facilitator demonstrated how AI-powered tools can generate lesson plans, create interactive educational content, and simplify complex teaching tasks.

Teachers were encouraged to actively participate, with some downloading applications directly from the Google Play Store and experimenting with the tools during the session.

What began as a simple outreach quickly evolved into a transformative learning experience. Teachers who initially had little or no exposure to Artificial Intelligence became deeply engaged—asking questions, testing applications, and exploring new possibilities for their classrooms.

The training also redefined how educators perceive technology in teaching. Participants were introduced to practical ways AI can reduce workload, prevent burnout by automating repetitive tasks, enhance lesson delivery, and create more interactive learning environments through educational games and digital resources.

Several tools were showcased during the session, including Photomath, Quizgecko, Notebook LM, and ChatGPT. In addition, participants explored creative applications of generative AI platforms such as Gemini AI for developing simple educational games and enhancing classroom engagement.

Beyond classroom application, the initiative encouraged teachers to take ownership of their personal and professional growth. Participants were urged to continuously develop their digital skills and leverage online learning platforms such as YouTube for ongoing self-improvement.

Anchored on the outreach philosophy of “Give to Gain,” the program focused on equipping female educators with valuable, future-ready skills.

The underlying goal is that empowered teachers will, in turn, create more engaging and effective learning environments for their pupils.

The outreach was supported by a committed YALI Network Anambra team, including Victor Onyekwelu, Precious Ogbuka, and YALI member Mmesoma Praise Ugwu, who contributed to the coordination and documentation of the event.

The session concluded with visible enthusiasm among participants. Teachers who had limited prior interaction with Artificial Intelligence left the training with renewed confidence, practical knowledge, and a fresh perspective on teaching in a digital age.
Photos and video highlights from the event have since been shared across digital platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp communities, and YouTube, extending the impact beyond the immediate audience.

As Artificial Intelligence continues to redefine the future of work globally, initiatives like this underscore the importance of grassroots interventions in preparing communities for change.

For YALI Network Anambra, the outreach represents a sustained commitment to empowering educators and strengthening the education system—one classroom at a time.