MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING
International Literacy Day was instituted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The day reminds the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies. The global theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace”.
The theme looks at the critical role language plays not only as a tool for communication, education, social integration, and development, but, also as a repository for each person’s unique identity, cultural history, traditions, and memory. Multilingual education based on the mother tongue (s) in the early years of schooling plays a key role in fostering respect for diversity and a sense of interconnectedness between countries and populations which are core values at the heart of global citizenship. Hence, multilingualism contributes to the fostering of learning to live together, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4, target 4.7.
In 1999, at the 30th Session of UNESCO’s General Conference, countries adopted a Resolution that established the notion of ‘multilingual education’ to refer to the use of at least three languages in education: the mother tongue(s), a regional or national language and an international language in education. Since then, UNESCO has been promoting, as and when relevant, multilingual education, as a means to improve learning outcomes and give life to cultural diversity.
Prof. P. A. V. Ansah, once said “The penultimate of every culture is the language”. Unfortunately, in Africa 8 out of 10 children learn in languages that are diverse from their first language. Again, the opportunity to learn in one’s language appears even thinner for the youth and adults who may often be outside the formal education sector. This tends to hinder the acquisition of basic literacy and dissuade the linguistic and economic development of individuals, and communities, which could be detrimental to building inclusive, peaceful, and sustainable societies. Again, globally, it is estimated that about 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand.
Globally, it is estimated that in 2021, 77 percent of communication, in cyberspace was dominated by only 10 languages. Given that language, be it oral, written, or sign, is not only an essential tool for communication and knowledge management, but also for embracing and preserving people’s identities, and culture. Ghana needs a policy direction in learning our Ghanaian languages, be it Fanti, Grunne, Ewe, Asante or Akuapem Twi, Ga Dangme or Nzema. This promotes understanding and peace among Ghanaians, especially in an election year.
Furthermore, in 1945 the United Nations declared education as a human right. Again, in 2015, when the world firmed up the gains from the Millennium Development Goals through the Sustainable Development Goals, education was further confirmed as a human right with goal 4, which calls for education for all. Indeed, literacy is a right and a means of empowerment. The acquisition of skills and the transformation of behaviour hinges on literacy. However, worldwide 250 million children between the ages of 6 to 18 are out of school. It is gripping to know that the literacy rate for elderly women in several Sub-Saharan African countries is estimated to be as low as 10 percent. Ghana’s statistics are worrying. With a population of 33 million, close to a third are illiterate, and 1.4 million children are out of school. Additionally, many children are struggling to acquire minimum proficiency in reading, writing, and numeracy.
The above narrative can be changed if Governments collaborate with the private sector to fund education. Governments alone cannot bring about the desired turnaround. It can be realized through collaboration and partnership. Many interventions have been put in place to raise literacy in Ghana because of the awareness of the positive impact of education on national development. However, the budget is overwhelming which is preventing the escalation of educational programmes. We must work together to promote the speaking of languages and enhance literacy for mutual understanding.
Ayekoo to the institutions within the literacy ecosystem.
Patrick Twumasi
Head of Corporate Affairs
Complementary Education Agency
(Ministry of Education)
ONE HUNDRED AND THREE ORIENTED ON COMMUNITIES OF EXCELLENCE AND REMEDIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION
The quest to integrate and register the presence of the Complementary Education Agency among the citizenry and communities across the country has been given traction. The stride was made when implementers of the Communities of Excellence and Remedial Education Programmes were taken through the implementation strategy. Hence, One Hundred and Three Ag. Regional and District Directors were oriented to ensure the smooth implementation of the Programmes at Ejisu-Akyeakrom in the Ashanti Region. The workshop was meant to equip these implementers with the requisite knowledge to guarantee the expected outcome.
The programmes are meant to transform the literacy environment and give fresh breath to complementary education in the country. The transformative drive of the Communities of Excellence is to activate the buy-in of stakeholders at the community level. The intervention is to ensure stakeholders be it Traditional Authorities, School Management Committees and CEA are committed to the promotion of quality educational outcomes in the country. Additionally, the Remedial Education Programme, which was launched during the early part of the year is geared toward offering a second chance to drop-outs from the Junior and Senior High Schools to re-sit their BECE and WASSCE.
The orientation aimed to drum home the measures and mechanisms aptly put in place to ensure successful implementation of the programmes. In addition, the capacity to manage and guarantee the smooth running of the programmes was impacted by the implementers. The operationalization of these programmes will not only enable the Agency to interact with the communities but also give vent to literacy. These programmes will serve as a significant shift in tone and narrative on the amplified question of the presence of the Agency.
COMMUNITIES OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAMME: RECONNECTING AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL
Field visits and direct interaction with the target of interventions are the bedrock and enablers of realizing the goals of community-based programmes. Many interventions and programmes have failed to achieve the expected outcome due to a lack of direct engagement and interface with the targets. Hence, the visit by Mrs. Catherine Appiah-Pinkrah, the Ag. Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) to Doryumu and Asutsuare in the Shai Osudoku District and Mamfe-Akuapim in the Akuapem North District of the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions respectively was in the right direction. Among the team that accompanied Mrs. Appiah-Pinkrah were Mr. Emmanuel Ntim and Ms. Gloria Ameh Mensah, Deputy Executive Directors, Support Services and Operations respectively. Some Ag. Directors’, Unit Heads’ and staff were part of the team.
The interactive visit was an opportunity to engage and introduce the Communities of Excellence Programme (CEP) to the selected communities in the two Regions. The CEP aims to rally stakeholders around the common goal of promoting quality learning outcomes. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkrah told the impressive gathering of Traditional Authorities and other community stakeholders, about the need to adhere to the demands of CEP, which can bring about the transformative change we desire in education. She reinforced the narrative of going back to reconnect to the authority of our chiefs, who have contributed to community development. The Ag. Executive Director emphasized the need for the various stakeholders to work to realize the aims and objectives of the Programme. The commitment and responses of the communities visited were overwhelming. At Doryumu, Nene Sasraku Anobarh II and his elders were enthused to be part of the CEP. Nene Guamahtsu, the Ag. Chief of Asutsuare and his sub-chiefs were pleased to be part of the programme. Osabarima Ansah Sasraku II, the Mamfehene and Osabarima Kwame Otu Dartey II the Mamponghene, all of Akuapim expressed interest and support to see the programme achieve its target.
The Traditional Authorities and the various stakeholders confirmed their commitment to support the CEP. The Chiefs were impressed with the Agency for having found the need to retrace our steps back to them. They pledged to back the programme to attain the desired expectations. During the interaction, the Traditional Authorities requested continuous support for the CEP irrespective of regime change. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkrah assured CEP will not be politicized. Concern was raised about indiscipline in school, which was ascribed to the prohibition of corporal punishment. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkrah prescribed alternative punishment rather than physical. She added that research has shown corporal punishment makes a child timid or turns them into recalcitrant. She suggested child management at the family level. The Communities of Excellence Programme received a favourable reception among the varied stakeholders.
SIXTY CEA STAFF TRAINED ON LEADERSHIP, ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND EFFECTIVENESS
The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) under the sponsorship of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP) has organised a capacity-building workshop for sixty (60) staff of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) at the Mensvic Grand Hotel, East Legon in Accra. The five-day workshop was on “Leadership, Organizational Management and Effectiveness”. The training was aimed at sharpening and shaping the Leadership skills, Managerial effectiveness and competence of the participants.
The participants were drawn from the Headquarters to the Regional offices of the Agency. The training was facilitated by Ms. Anita Wiafe, an International Human Capital Consultant and Certified ILO Trainer from the Trust Training Limited. This is an astute competent training outfit that has transformed institutions through capacity building. Ms. Wiafe a training expert took the participants through the thematic areas throughout the five days with a careful mix of group work and discussions.
Mrs. Catherine Appiah-Pinkrah, the Ag. Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), indicated that human resource capacity building is necessary to refresh ourselves to do better. Hence, she encouraged the participants to commit themselves for the five days. She lauded Trust Training Limited for its expertise. Mr. Nicholas de-Heer, a Manager at Trust Training Limited was full of praise for CTVET for extending the workshop to the CEA staff. He also praised the Ag. Executive Director, CEA for availing the Agency to benefit from the World Bank-sponsored training which he said would be beneficial to the growth and development of the Agency.
Dr. Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Director-General of the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training expressed his support for the collaboration between the Commission and the Agency. He commended the Agency for taking up the training to build the leadership and managerial effectiveness of the staff. Mr. Samuel Thompson, Policy Planning Coordinator, CTVET who represented the Director-General of the Commission at the closing of the five-day workshop stated that CEA is a core part of the training ecosystem. He acknowledged the participants’ fortitude for participating throughout the period. Mr. Thompson acknowledged Trust Training Limited for its acceptance to conduct the training.
Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Deputy Executive Director of Support Services CEA held the fort for the Ag Executive Director at the closing ceremony. He praised the CTVET for ensuring the staff of the Agency were trained. Mr. Ntim encouraged participants to cascade the knowledge acquired from the workshop. He believed that refusal to share ideas gained was a failure and a waste of time expended at the five-day workshop. Mr. Ntim requested more sponsored training to build the capacity of the staff of the Agency. Participants were awarded certificates and given training materials.
UNFPA SPONSORS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH READERS FOR CEA LEARNERS
The quest to bring education to the out-of-school by the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) has been extended to the area of reproductive health. The issue of primary health care remains a key to everyday life. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with PAYDP has sponsored a Trainer of Trainers workshop organized by the Complementary Education Agency. The workshop brought together participants from the Headquarters and Regional Directorates of the Agency.
Addressing participants at the workshop, Mrs. Catherine Appiah-Pinkra, the Ag. Executive Director, CEA stressed the need to ensure Complementary Education Learners gain knowledge in reproductive health. She referred to the CEA Act 2020 (Act 1055) Section 3 (k) “equip learners with the knowledge, attitudes and skills to enable the learners to improve the quality of life in their communities in a lifelong learning framework” justifying the need for the workshop on Reproductive Health Education.
Participants were taken through two readers with varied topics, including Female and male Reproductive Health, Human Growth and Development and Personal Hygiene. Other topics are Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and other harmful practices, Contraception and Family Planning Services. Seasoned Resource Persons Mrs. Victoria Emefa Nyavor from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and Mr. Evans Boakye-Yiadom, a Principal Public Health Officer and a PPAG Volunteer craftily took participants through a well-planned facilitation.
Two representatives from PAYDP also joined the workshop and actively participated in the training. Ms. Gloria Ameh Mensah, the Deputy Executive Director, Operation of CEA informed participants about the need for the workshop. She requested participants do their best to bring the information on reproductive health to the Learners.
Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Deputy Executive Director, of Support Services, CEA indicated the need to cascade the knowledge gained to their communities and Learners to spread the issue about reproductive health. Adding her voice to participants to cascade the knowledge acquired, Ms. Barbara Okine the Ag. Director of Curriculum and Assessment stated that the education gained will be beneficial only when it is shared with the Learners and the communities. The two readers on Reproductive Health will equip the Learners with the needed knowledge to function effectively and improve their quality of life.
The Ag. Director Complementary Education and Training Mr. Philip Dei gave a presentation on the “Journey so far” from Non-Formal Education Division to Complementary Education Agency. It took guest down memory lane, indicating the contribution of the Agency to reduce illiteracy in Ghana, since 1992 through the support of the World Bank. Additionally, Mr. Nicholas Ameyaw, the Bono and Bono East Ag, Regional Director also presented the state of the CBE. In addition, Luminous and Associate for Change brought guest home on the performance of CBE Learners and a tracer study, which looked at the situation in the West African Sub-region respectively. The perspectives gave clarity to the phenomenon of out-of-school children.
The Deputy Executive Directors’ Support Services and Operations, Mr. Emmanuel Ntim and Ms. Gloria Ameh Mensah respectively were present to lend support to the success of the event. Again, all the Ag. Regional Directors were in attendance. Development Partners and collaborators alike gave solidarity messages to align their support to the programmes. The colourful and well patronized event saw Agency Heads of the Ministry of Education and the media well represented.
Forty Out-Of-School Children Receive Basic Training in ICT
As part of the activities marking the year-long Accra World Book Capital (AWBC) 2023, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Complementary Education Agency, Centre for National Distance Learning and Open School (CENDLOS) and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) organized a day’s training workshop for forty (40) out-of-school children in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
The training was part of the process of transitioning the children to formal school. Nana Gyamfi Adwabour, the Executive Director of CENDLOS, indicated the relevance of ICT in the current dispensation. He stressed that children are at the centre of the programmes of the Ministry of Education. Therefore, there are efforts to ensure no child is left behind. Nana Adwabour expressed that there is every reason to acquire ICT skills to function in the tech economy.
In a speech read on behalf of the Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Naa Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, stated that it would be suicidal for the youth to be deficient in ICT. She shed light on the influence of ICT tools in our daily lives, hence, the urgent need for the youth to acquire the skills set.
Mr. Apollonius Asare of UNESCO used the occasion to outline the programmes that have taken place since the year-long celebration began, including the President of the Republic taken turn to read a story with some selected school children as well as a special school pupil at the Accra International Conference Centre. Mr. Asare highlighted the impact of ICT in the current space. He added that ICT training is an opportunity to learn critical thinking skills. The acquisition of ICT competencies creates a pathway to a brighter future. He advised the children not to relent on learning because it starts from the cradle to the grave. Therefore, children should not be passive about ICT.
Ms. Barbara Okine, the Acting Director, Curriculum Development and Assessment, read a speech on behalf of the Acting Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, who expressed the Agency’s desire for out-of-school children to acquire literacy in ICT. He stressed that the Agency is aware of the impact of the fourth industrial revolution, which has increased interconnectivity, making ICT indispensable. Hence, as an organization responsible for foundational learning in Complementary Basic Education (CBE), the desire is for every CBE participant to receive basic ICT training.
CEA Collaborating with Luminos on Out-Of-School Children
The subject of out-of-school children remains the mandate and preoccupation of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA). The narrative of the phenomenon can change through collaborative efforts, a fact the Agency is not oblivious of. Hence, collaborating with Ghanaian and foreign partners to change the account is the adopted hallmark of the Agency. Luminos is an organization that offers an alternative learning pathway for out-of-school children and has teamed up with the Complementary Education Agency to run an out-of-school programme dubbed Community of Excellence in Ghana.
Mrs. Kristy Newman, the Vice President, Programmes at Luminos led a team to interact with Management on the state of Community of Excellence programme in Ghana and the supervision role of the Agency. Other members of the team were Ms. Ernesta Orloraite, Director Impact and Mr. Justice Agyei-Quartey, the Advisor Luminos. Ms. Suwaida Abdul Aziz, the Ashanti Regional Luminos Programme Manager, who was with the team, commended the Acting Ashanti Regional Director of CEA and the staff of the Sekyere Afram Plains for their commitment and dedication.
In 2022 Luminos enrolled 1,500 out-of-school children. However, in 2023 the enrollment increased by 500 more to 2,000 out-of-school children. The implementation is by Independent Partners (IPs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the Complementary Education Agency. The Agency is offering maximum supervision considering the leverage of reachability for the effective implementation of the programme. In the Ashanti Region, Luminos is present in Sekyere Afram Plains, Sekyere Central and Sekyere-Ejura-Odumase Districts.
Mrs. Newman indicated the commitment of Luminos to the effective implementation of the programme for a successful outcome. Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Ag. Executive Director, CEA assured the Luminos Team of the Agency’s support and active participation in the programme for a better outcome.
FCDO Offer more Support to the CEA
The Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) has donated logistics to the Complementary Education Agency of the Ministry of Education. The items include office tables, conference tables, and swivel chairs. Additionally, a Pickup vehicle and computers were also promised as part of the generous donation by the FCDO.
Mrs. Rita Tetteh, Risk, Procurement and Finance Manager of the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office, indicated that passion moves them to work behind the scenes to support education. She added that it is proper for the Agency to work after the support to draft the CE Policy, Legislative Instrument and Resource Mobilization Strategy documents. Mrs. Tetteh was emphatic that such an Agency should not be without the needed support. She indicated her excitement when the Agency started Cycle 8 of Complementary Basic Education (CBE).
Mrs. Tetteh admonished the relevance of selling the Agency across the country’s length and breadth, including the local Assemblies. She was quick to add that donor support was not for eternity. Hence, we should explore. Since the work of the Agency is at the Metro, Municipal and District, Mrs. Tetteh recommended that all the items should not remain in Accra. She made the call on the Agency to keep the relationship with the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office, whether they are putting in money or not.
Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Ag. Executive Director, Complementary Education Agency, was grateful to the FCDO for the support all these years. He expressed special appreciation to Mrs. Tetteh for haven faith in the Agency and buying into our activities. Mr. Ntim referred to the assistance in drafting the CE Policy, LI and RMS documents. He also recalled the earlier donation of a Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara Pickups. He congratulated Mrs. Tetteh on her new appointment.
Mrs. Rita Tetteh handed over documents covering the items to Mr. Emmanuel Ntim at the forecourt of the Complementary Education Agency’ Headquarters. Mr. Ntim asked for more support to enable the Agency to deliver on her mandate.
Ghana Host World Book Capital 2023
Ghana has won the World Book Capital for 2023, dubbed the Accra World Book Capital 2023. It is a programme that encourages reading a book. The year-long programme is themed: “Reading to Connect Minds for Social Transformation”. The event brought together dignities from Ghana and around the world.
The President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, officially launched the Accra World Book Capital 2023 at the Accra International Conference Center. The President highlighted reading, lifelong learning and literacy. Nana Akufo-Addo read with some selected students from Eastern and Greater Accra Regions. The President entreated the children to let reading be the last thing before retiring to bed.
Further, he emphasized that reading contributes to cultural development. He added that the year-long programme offers the Government the edge to leverage diverse cultures. He stressed that the power of books and reading must be the
cornerstone to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful and equitable society. He also sees the programme as an opportunity for investment in the Ghanaian creative industry and cultural sector to provide jobs for young people.
Her Excellency Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), congratulated Ghana for winning the World Book Capital 2023. She indicated that books help connect with the world. She shared that reading is a treasure which should be encouraged. In addition, reading leads to learning diversity and holding together the book industry.
Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Education, held the fort for the Minister of Education, Hon. Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum. Rev. Ntim encouraged reading among students to enhance their knowledge. He indicated that Ghana was happy to have won the prestigious right to host the World Book Capital 2023. He added that it would resonate in the country and with all shades of people worldwide.
The Accra World Book Capital 2023 encourages everyone to read a book to educate and entertain themselves. The knowledge acquired from books helps address plaguing social challenges. These include teenage pregnancy, youth unemployment, truancy and substance abuse. Mr Francis Asumadu, Executive Director of CEA and some selected staff represented the Agency. Her Excellency Ms Anna Bossman, Ghana’s Ambassador to France and permanent member of UNESCO, chaired the event.
YENDI YOUTH OFFERED A SECOND CHANCE
According to the Complementary Education Agency Act 2020 (Act 1055) there are four major mandates charged to the organization to deliver on. One of them is Remedial classes for both Junior and Senior High School graduates, who could not make good grades that will see them transition to the next level of their education. This mandate offers a second chance to students to realize their dreams.
Mr. Abukari Salawudeen the Northern Regional Director of, Complementary Education Agency (CEA) launched the Remedial programme at Yendi Community Center on the 7th of January, 2023. It was a step further to extend opportunities to the youth within the municipality who desire to go back to school. The launch attracted a lot of dignitaries and residents of the area.
Mr. Salawudeen, in a speech, encouraged the youth who need to re-sit at any of the levels to take advantage of the programme, which comes at no cost.
Alhaji Mohammed A. Kpermsin, the Yendi Municipal Director, CEA was grateful for the show of interest in education by the residents, especially the youth.
The Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Ahmed Abubakari Ussif appealed to the youth who dropped out of school or will to rewrite exams to avail themselves and seize the opportunity to school. He shed light on the relevance of education to individual and national development.
The Complementary Education Agency is determined to bring education to all Ghanaians. What took place at Yendi is part of the efforts of the Agency to help create an alternative pathway.
Dignitaries who graced the launch included the representative of Yaa Naa, Naa Mahama Alhassan Chief of Timali: Mr. Alhassan Mahama GES, CBE Desk officer; Mr. Danladi Abdul-Hafiz, NYEA Municipal Director and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Habib, GES.
Others were Alhaji Salifu Alhassan Nassam former CEA Director, Saaboba and Kunbongu Districts CEA Directors and Tamale Metro CEA Director.
CEA READY TO IMPLEMENT COMPLEMENTARY BASIC EDUCATION (CBE).
The Complementary Education Agency (CEA) joined the United Kingdom’s (UK) Department for International Development (DFID) and Implementing Partners (IPs) in a three day Complementary Basic Education (CBE) Progress review meeting for cycle 5 at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.
Complementary Basic Education (CBE) is an intervention to rope in out-of-school children (OOSC) between the ages of 8-14. These children are facilitated in their mother tongue for nine months. The graduates are then transitioned into formal education. Based on assessment some of the children start formal education at primary class three or four.
In a speech, the Hon. Minister for Education, Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh lauded Civil Society and School for Life (SFL) for starting and sustaining the programme. He indicated that CBE as an intervention is not here to stay forever, but to help out-of-school children (OOSC) join their colleagues in the formal school.
Mr. Enoch Cobinna, the Chief Director of the Minister of Education also indicated that since the inspection of CBE in 2013, 248,556 out of-school children (OOSC) have transited to the formal school. He appreciated the National Steering Committee members, which he chairs for their dedication and commitment to the intervention.
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom (UK) has through CBE been offering support to disadvantaged as well as disabled children.
CBE, hence, offer second chance to under privileged children to get enrolled into formal school.
The Private Sector and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) came up for special commendation for their enormous contribution toward the success in the implementation of the CBE intervention.
Mr. Francis Asumadu, Ag, Executive Director of Complementary Education Agency (CEA) thanked the Crown Agents, United States of Agency for International Development (USAID) and Implementing Partners (IPs) for inviting the Division to participate in the review for cycle 5. He indicated that, the experience was engaging as the education. Mr. Asumadu, stated that the Agency was ready to continue with the implementation of the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) intervention, which process is not at much variance with the Complementary Education practise.
The quest to integrate and register the presence of the Complementary Education Agency among the citizenry and communities across the country has been given traction. The stride was made when implementers of the Communities of Excellence and Remedial Education Programmes were taken through the implementation strategy. Hence, One Hundred and Three Ag. Regional and District Directors were oriented to ensure the smooth implementation of the Programmes at Ejisu-Akyeakrom in the Ashanti Region. The workshop was meant to equip these implementers with the requisite knowledge to guarantee the expected outcome.
Field visits and direct interaction with the target of interventions are the bedrock and enablers of realizing the goals of community-based programmes. Many interventions and programmes have failed to achieve the expected outcome due to a lack of direct engagement and interface with the targets. Hence, the visit by Mrs. Catherine Appiah-Pinkrah, the Ag. Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) to Doryumu and Asutsuare in the Shai Osudoku District and Mamfe-Akuapim in the Akuapem North District of the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions respectively was in the right direction. Among the team that accompanied Mrs. Appiah-Pinkrah were Mr. Emmanuel Ntim and Ms. Gloria Ameh Mensah, Deputy Executive Directors, Support Services and Operations respectively. Some Ag. Directors’, Unit Heads’ and staff were part of the team.
commitment and responses of the communities visited were overwhelming. At Doryumu, Nene Sasraku Anobarh II and his elders were enthused to be part of the CEP. Nene Guamahtsu, the Ag. Chief of Asutsuare and his sub-chiefs were pleased to be part of the programme. Osabarima Ansah Sasraku II, the Mamfehene and Osabarima Kwame Otu Dartey II the Mamponghene, all of Akuapim expressed interest and support to see the programme achieve its target.
The Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET) under the sponsorship of the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project (GJSP) has organised a capacity-building workshop for sixty (60) staff of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) at the Mensvic Grand Hotel, East Legon in Accra. The five-day workshop was on “Leadership, Organizational Management and Effectiveness”. The training was aimed at sharpening and shaping the Leadership skills, Managerial effectiveness and competence of the participants.
The Ag. Director Complementary Education and Training Mr. Philip Dei gave a presentation on the “Journey so far” from Non-Formal Education Division to Complementary Education Agency. It took guest down memory lane, indicating the contribution of the Agency to reduce illiteracy in Ghana, since 1992 through the support of the World Bank. Additionally, Mr. Nicholas Ameyaw, the Bono and Bono East Ag, Regional Director also presented the state of the CBE. In addition, Luminous and Associate for Change brought guest home on the performance of CBE Learners and a tracer study, which looked at the situation in the West African Sub-region respectively. The perspectives gave clarity to the phenomenon of out-of-school children.
As part of the activities marking the year-long Accra World Book Capital (AWBC) 2023, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Complementary Education Agency, Centre for National Distance Learning and Open School (CENDLOS) and Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) organized a day’s training workshop for forty (40) out-of-school children in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Mr. Apollonius Asare of UNESCO used the occasion to outline the programmes that have taken place since the year-long celebration began, including the President of the Republic taken turn to read a story with some selected school children as well as a special school pupil at the Accra International Conference Centre. Mr. Asare highlighted the impact of ICT in the current space. He added that ICT training is an opportunity to learn critical thinking skills. The acquisition of ICT competencies creates a pathway to a brighter future. He advised the children not to relent on learning because it starts from the cradle to the grave. Therefore, children should not be passive about ICT.
The subject of out-of-school children remains the mandate and preoccupation of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA). The narrative of the phenomenon can change through collaborative efforts, a fact the Agency is not oblivious of. Hence, collaborating with Ghanaian and foreign partners to change the account is the adopted hallmark of the Agency. Luminos is an organization that offers an alternative learning pathway for out-of-school children and has teamed up with the Complementary Education Agency to run an out-of-school programme dubbed Community of Excellence in Ghana.
Ghana has won the World Book Capital for 2023, dubbed the Accra World Book Capital 2023. It is a programme that encourages reading a book. The year-long programme is themed: “Reading to Connect Minds for Social Transformation”. The event brought together dignities from Ghana and around the world.
According to the Complementary Education Agency Act 2020 (Act 1055) there are four major mandates charged to the organization to deliver on. One of them is Remedial classes for both Junior and Senior High School graduates, who could not make good grades that will see them transition to the next level of their education. This mandate offers a second chance to students to realize their dreams.
