Progressive Movement Institute (Education)

25/11/11
Progressive Movement Institute (EDUCATION)
Story: Gloria Bamfo & Zoe Darling

THE Director of Pre - Tertiary Ministry of Education Mrs Mary Quaye has stated that the governmenet is working on on a national program to change the curricullum in schools especially at the secondary level.
At a conference on Career development addressing the theme “Effective strategies in career development - a tool for national development” in Accra today (Friday), Mrs Quaye said the government is working on a realignment of the curriculum and supports the work of non-government organisations (NGOs) in the education sector.
She said the curriculum is supposed to shape students to reinforce their God-given talents and is important because the education and training of students is essential for Ghana’s development.
As part of the government’s support for students and particularly those studying in the technical and vocational areas, the government has established a Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training and will be distributing 3600 laptops to students.
The Ministryof Education is also working on a national program to bring in entrepreneurship at a social level and train teachers in the field of counselling so they are better equipped to guide students, she added.
Mrs Quaye expressed concern for students in the technical and vocational fields, saying the mindset of society is a challenge, particularly the perception of parents and grandparents.
In Ghana, technical and vocational areas are often “no-go areas” for students and there is pressure to avoid certain subjects.
Mrs Quaye added that these are the areas that generate money, independence and self fulfillment for our children.
She advises parents to change their perception on courses like Home Economics and Visual Arts, addding that students should also feel free to swap courses if they are not content in their current studies.
“It is never too late to change courses” she said, urging students to not be influenced by the choices of their friends.