Current Events

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.

 

CEA VISIBILITY AND IDENTITY RISING

The Complementary Education Agency (CEA) of the Ministry of Education has turned the corner in her performance. Over the years the Agency has struggled to strike the right cords to deliver as expected. This has had negative telling effect on the outcome of her performance assessment annually. However, the Agency through the dint of hard work placed fifth out of thirteen Agencies. The Performance Evaluation Committee scored the Agency 84.4 to rank fifth among thirteen institutions, which is a significant improvement from previous year’s rock bottom position. Typical of the Committee, the first three institutions are presented with awards. However, the impressive performance of the CEA got Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Hon. Minister for Education to suggest a special award for the Agency with the title the “Most Improved Agency”. The Honourable Minister remarked that “Given the limited funding and resource allocation for the agency, compared to other well-resourced institutions, I think we should all applaud the CEA and try to emulate their achievement”. Other institutions present lauded the Agency for the performance.

The Performance Assessment Committee indicated that the significant showing by some Agencies were attributable to new leadership. The “CEA and the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS)” were both noted as such Agencies. The Committee stated that, “While the CEA had significantly improved their performance and moved to the 5th position, the GAAS made slight improvements to reach the minimum mark. This improvement could be attributed partly to the drive of the new leadership”.

The Committee further revealed that, ” Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS), Complementary Education Agency (CEA), National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA), Ghana Education Service (GES), Ghana Library Authority (GhLA), and Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (GTVET): Although the immediate support recommended for these agencies did not occur, some of them have managed through their own initiatives in tandem with some external support to improve their performance.”

The Ministry was appealed to by the Committee to allocate sufficient funds and resources to Agencies that have improved despite their resource challenges. The Committee ended with a quote by Jimmy Johnson: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra”.

 

 

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.

COMPLEMENTARY BASIC EDUCATION CYCLY NINE AND REMEDIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME LAUNCHED

The Complementary Education Agency launched two of their flagship programmes. These are the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) Cycle 9 and Remedial Education Programme. The two programmes further, opens up the opportunities to gain education outside the formal classroom. The launch was eminent, because, the issue of out-of-school children strikes at the core of the heart of development of any nation, and Ghana is not an exception. Hence, this was an effort to change the narrative in Ghana.

In a short address before the launch, Hon. Mrs. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, the Deputy Minister for Education in-charge of TVET affirmed the resolve of the Ministry to ensure out-of-school programmes receive the needed attention. She recounted the need for the then Non-Formal Education Division to be transformed into Complementary Education Agency. She made these statements at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on the 6^th of February, 2024. The Hon. Mrs. Twum-Ampofo gave the clarion call for Development Partners to support the programmes. She later launched the Complementary Basic Education Cycle 9 and Remedial Education Programme.

In a related development, Hon. John Ntim Fourjour, the Deputy Minister for Education, responsible for General Education spoke of the benefit of the Agency within the out-of-school space. He called on stakeholders to support the Agency to bring about the desired charge. Speaking on behalf of the Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education, he urged for support for the programmes, which is the only holding onto hope for out-of-school children and Junior and High School dropouts. The media patronized event was chaired by Osabirima Ansah Sasraku III, the Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Akuapem. In his remarks, he thanked the Agency for the focus on out-of-school children and offering second chance to remedial students of both the Junior and Senior High School dropouts. Nana Ansah Sasraku III further applauded the Ministry and the Agency for the wonderful initiative to get everyone educated.

Mrs. Catherine Appiah-Pinkra, the Ag. Executive Director CEA pressed home the fact that no silence should be entertained on out-of-school programmes especially Complementary Basic Education. In her elaborate welcome address, Mrs. Appiah-Pinkra relentlessly drummed the need to have CEA Act, which is transforming the Complementary Education ecosystem. She shed light on the enrollment of Cycle 8, which was 5000 and took place in three Regions, Bono, Savanna and Upper West. Further, she stated that during Cycle 9 the Agency has targeted 30,000 out-of-school children across four Regions. These are Northern, Upper East and West and Bono. Twelve Districts will experience the Complementary Basic Education programme.

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.

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION AGENCY

Mrs. Catherine Appiah-Pinkra, the former Director, General Administration of the Ministry of Education has been appointed the Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkra succeeds Mr. Francis Asumadu, who retired from active service this year, 2023. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkra comes to the office with overwhelming experience, considering her work with various Ministries.

She has been an integral part of the Agency over the years. Hence, she is not new to the programmes and activities of the Agency. She briefly engaged the staff of the Complementary Education Agency at the Headquarters. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkra indicated how she has worked with Mr. Asumadu to raise resources to change the Agency. According to Mrs. Appiah-Pinkra, it never crossed her mind she would one day work with the organization. However, as fate would have it, she has become the lead of the Agency.

The newly appointed Executive Director advised the staff that everything they do should not necessarily be for themselves a lesson she has learnt throughout life because you will never know when you will need it. Hence, when working with a team, she always requests that, if the outcome will affect another life or humanity, do it. Mrs. Appiah-Pinkra thanked the almighty God, the Honourable Minister and the President for the opportunity to work with the Agency, given that she accepts challenges in life. Additionally, she indicated that there are so many opportunities and individuals with expertise and experience with the Agency. She envisioned great years ahead of the Agency.

 

THIS IS A SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE AG. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION AGENCY AT THE TRANSITIONING OF ACCELERATED LEARNING PROGRAMME COHORT ONE LEARNER INTO MAINSTREAM SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME DURBAR HELD AT SAVELUGU M/A EXPERIMENTAL SCHOOL ON TUESDAY, THE 28^TH NOVEMBER, 2023

I am delighted to be part of this transitioning ceremony today. It is always refreshing to see the out-of-school Children progress to the next stage of the education ladder. I grasp this singular opportunity to congratulate you, the graduates and hope you keep focusing on your education. I also acknowledge the Ghana Education Outcome Project (GEOP) for their relentless service to ensure these children get back to the classroom.

Mr. Chairman, Frederick Douglass once said, “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free”. The Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) is a strategy to offer a second chance to these future leaders, who could not start formal school at the right time like their friends. Transitioning Cohort One Learners into mainstream schools gives the finest opportunity to educate these children. I believe it will change and transform the fortunes of these future leaders of this country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the transition that we are witnessing today should give us the edge to push for more children to get back to the classroom. When we get these children educated, we should be happy and never think we are doing them any favour. I want us all to acknowledge the fact that we are doing the future of this nation a great favour. These are the successors of the future. If they are left to their fate, it is the country’s future that stands to suffer.

In pursuance of turning the corner on the issue of mainstreaming Learners, let us see collaboration as the enabler. We cannot afford to look the other way when collaboration will yield the needed outcome with ease. The Complementary Education Agency remains resolute to collaborate with the GEOP Programme Implementation Unit, Service Providers and other partners. The collaborative efforts will bring about a strong integrative learning platform, which will connect everyone within the space. The Agency is open and ready to link up with GEOP to eliminate the issue of out-of-school children.

Mr. Chairman, permit me to repeat the point that education is not a largesse or a privilege, but rather a right. These children are incapable of claiming their rights. However, we are witnesses to the impact of education on the life of the individual and to a large extent a nation. Again, it is self-evident to us all the transformation power of education to society. However, what is said to be self-evident cannot be considered self-executing. The holistic implementation of educational policies is the process through which the desired societal change can be realised.

Once more, I convey the heartfelt congratulations of the entire Complementary Education Agency to the Ghana Education Outcome Project team for your efforts in transforming the literacy space. The Agency firmly believe in continuous collaboration within the Complementary Basic Education ecosystem to completely eradicate the phenomenon.

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, what we are witnessing today is a demonstration that children are the priority and at the centre of the programmes of the Ministry of Education. Let us all support in every way we can to make our country a better place to live. I cannot forget our Development Partners’ financial commitment to ensure the Ghanaian child gets back to school. I will conclude by saying that well done is better than well said. Well done, the Ghana Education Outcome Project.

Thank you, and God bless us all.

 

COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION IS CRITICAL IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – VOLTA REGIONAL MINISTER

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa highly commended the efforts of the Acting Executive Director of Complementary Education Agency, Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, in transforming the then Non Formal Education Division to Complementary Education Agency with an expanded mandate. The Honorable Volta Regional Minister, who was accompanied by the Eastern Regional Minister, Honorable Seth Kwame Acheampong, was speaking at a sensitization workshop organized by the Agency on 9th of November, 2023 to educate staff on the new Scheme of Service developed by the Agency.

According to him, apart from adult literacy, the expanded mandate of the Agency, which includes Remedial classes, Complementary Basic Education and Occupational Skills Development will help young Ghanaians and the less privileged to equally benefit from the Free Education Policy of the government. This, according to him, is very critical in developing capable human resources for socio-economic development. He requested the Acting Executive Director to retrain staff of the organization to effectively and efficiently deliver on this vital mandate. He assured the Acting Executive Director and his team of his unflinching support to the Volta Regional Division of the Agency.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Honourable Seth Kwame Acheampong, added that CEA will be the game changer in Complementary Education delivery in Ghana. According to him, though the National Commission for Civil Education (NCCE) is already performing a tremendous role in civic education, CEA can equally be an effective tool in creating civic awareness and responsibility in citizens. He added that a well-informed citizen will better understand government policies and how to take advantage of those policies. As such, the role of CEA in nation building cannot be overemphasized. The Acting Executive Director of the Agency Mr. Emmanuel Ntim assured staff of their pending migration onto Public Service Payroll and warned against the presentation of fake academic certificates. This, according to him, is a criminal offence. As such, perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted. He added that the delay in migrating staff was because the availability of a well-developed Scheme of Service and the ongoing sensitization workshops were prerequisites for the migration. According to him, after the sensitization, the next phase of the transition will be staff migration.

The Acting Executive Director hinted staff on some reforms in the Agency. These include: An end to the nine (9) months literacy cycle, this time learners will spend not less than two years with the Agency before graduating, a uniform commencement of all literacy activities across the country, a unique identification code or number for every learner of the Agency, and many other reforms.  The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Carol Sekyiwa Greene Head of the Human Resource Division of the Agency and Ms. Catherine Mettle -Aiddo an officer of the Human Resource Division. Others present include the Volta/Oti Regional Director, Mr. Prince Richard Dada Addo.

The team is scheduled to move to Akatsi south to engage staff of Akatsi south, South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Keta Municipal, Anloga, Akatsi North, Ketu North, Ketu south on the 10th of November, 2023.

ISRAEL KPODO

CORPORATE AFFAIRS UNIT

VOLTA REGINAL DIVISION

HO

CEA AND LUMINOUS COLLABORATE TO ENHANCE COMPLEMENTARY BASIC EDUCATION

The collaborative partnership between the Complementary Education Agency and Luminous, Ghana, was taken a notch higher by the two institutions. The quest to share information as a regulator within the Complementary Education space and provider of Complementary Basic Education has upticked the partnership between the two institutions. Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Ag. Executive Director of CEA indicated that the interest of the Agency is in the areas with high rates of out-of-school children. Hence, the focus will be on the Northern, Upper West and Western Regions, with a target of 20,000. Furthermore, Mr. Emmanuel Doe, the Ag. Director, Research, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (RPPM&E) stated that out of 5,000 learners recruited for the 8^th Cycle, 4 have dropped out. He added that the Ghana Education Service and the Civil Society Organizations supervise to complement what the Agency does.

Mr. Stephen Senyo Tettegah, the Ghana Country Manager of Luminous, stated that the focus for the first year was to ensure reach. Additionally, the second year concentrated on impact, which led to the establishment of more than 80 classes in the Ashanti Region, and the third year focused on increased reach through the number of classes. Mr. Philip Dei, the Ag. Director of Complementary Education and Training stated the intention of the Agency on recruitment for the next Cycle. He put the number at 20,000. Mr. Justice Agyei-Quartey, the Advisor to Luminous, gave insight into the need for parental engagement concerning meeting time for the children to optimize attendance.

It is indicative to state that children with disabilities are not left behind as they are featured keenly in the discussions. In a related development, CEA, Luminous and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) are reviewing a curriculum for Luminous. The Agency is seeking to print 5000 Primers from the sponsorship of Luminous and other Donor Partners (DPs). These primers will aid the facilitation and learning in Complementary Basic Education.

ROTARY CLUB OF ACCRA NORTH HOST COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION AGENCY

Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Ag. Executive Director of Complementary Education Agency gave a presentation on the overview of the achievements, and challenges of the Agency to the Rotary Club of Accra-North. This was at the invitation of the Rotarians at Labadi Beach Hotel. The Rotary Club is a philanthropic organization of astute men and women from various professional backgrounds.

Mr. Ntim exquisitely presented the content with dexterity, while the Rotarians listened attentively in a well-organized and orderly arrange hall. Financial spreadsheet indicating the required budget for the Agency, what is received and the shortfalls was also shared. He took the astute personalities through the achievements attained over the years and the challenges confronting the Agency. Additionally, Mr. Ntim dug deep to relentlessly drum home and impress upon the Rotarians the need to finance every aspect of the Agency’s mandate.

The Ag. Executive Director forcefully expressed the reasons the issue of out-of-school children has gotten behind the curtain to center stage. He indicated that Complementary Basic Education gives hope to removing children of school age from the streets. The held belief is failure to do so will render the future of these children too brittle for the country to rely on. The attempt to eradicate the puzzle of our time of out-of-school children will need the shrewd solution to prevent a featureless sea of black future.

Mr. Emmanuel Doe, the Ag. Director, Research, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, in answering a question on the languages the Agency operates with. Mr. Doe indicated the Agency employs 15 Ghanaian Languages and English. In addition, the presentation established that, the Agency remains the third force in the provision of education in Ghana. The Rotarians appreciated the presentation with two framed citations to Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, the Ag. Executive Director.

 

PROMOTING LITERACY FOR SUSTAINABLE AND PEACEFUL SOCIETIES

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated 8^th September every year as International Literacy Day in 1966. Its first celebration took place in 1967. The annual commemoration raises awareness about the relevance of literacy to the development of individuals, communities and nations. Again, the celebration reminds institutions, societies and governments that literacy is a human right and a matter of dignity.

This year, we celebrate on the theme “Promoting Literacy for a World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies”. The celebration reminds us of the centrality of the people in giving meaning to things and value to the transition process agenda. Literacy is not only the bedrock of national development. It is the ladder many vulnerable, marginalised, and disadvantaged have used to climb out of poverty.

Unfortunately, in 2020, at least one out of seven youth and adults aged 15 and above worldwide representing 763 million, lacked basic literacy and numeracy skills. Additionally, several children are not acquiring literacy and numeracy skills. Shockingly, 244 million children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18 are out of school. In addition, 57 per cent of ten-year-olds who could not read a simple text in 2019 have increased to 70 per cent in 2020.

Furthermore, an assessment of the Sustainable Development Goals indicates that the agenda is in trouble. The SDGs have 140 targets. However, only 12 per cent are on track, with approximately half showing progression but are moderately or severely off track. Sustainable Development Goal 4 is not an exemption. However, goal 4 remains critical in attaining the rest of the goals. The outcome of the assessment calls on nations, institutions and communities to get down to work to change the narrative and bring the goals back on track.

Factually, the building of sustainable, peaceful, inclusive and just societies is facing the escalation of the challenges spilling from COVID-19, climate change and conflict. The pandemic threatened the very foundation of educational systems and structures. The world has not fully recovered from the shadows and devastating impact of COVID-19. Many countries and institutions are still struggling to turn the tide against the impact of the pandemic.

According to UNESCO, the learning loss from COVID-19 globally stands to possibly cost the present generation of students approximately 21 trillion dollars in lifetime earnings. It presents a deep insight into the impact of COVID-19 on literacy. This calls for a consented effort to restore the erased knowledge lost to the ravages of the pandemic and climate change. However, in Ghana, the story is different. The Complementary Education Agency is running the Complementary Basic Education for 5,000 out-of-school children in six Districts of four Regions in Ghana. In addition, the Ghana Education Outcome Project (GEOP) is operating a similar project for 70,000 out-of-school children.

Throughout history, education has proved to be a powerful weapon for transformation. Education remains the illuminator that has led generations from underdevelopment to development. Many great nations, men and women, have positively impacted their generations through education. Hence, literacy promotion is the medium through which sustainable societies can be built.

Additionally, the escalation of technology is a backdrop to the incessant call for literacy promotion. The world is in a deep dive of transitioning into the fourth industrial revolution. Given this, literacy should receive critical attention and investment required to build the needed skill set. Presently, Artificial Intelligence has invaded the world and competing with humans for jobs. There is no time in the life of humanity that technology has become so potent that ignoring it is to one’s peril. At the pinnacle of the pandemic, literacy rode on the back of technology. Individuals, communities and nations that lacked the infrastructure and the know-how were left behind. The failure to flow with the current at the height of the pandemic took the steam of development out of the sail of many nations.

We should not retire from projecting literacy in the face of challenges. On the other hand, our unrelenting united resolve remains the battering ram for change and transformation.

To all literacy providers, Ayekoo.

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.

 

5,000 OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN TO RECEIVE COMPLEMENTARY BASIC EDUCATION

The Complementary Education Agency (CEA) has organized a Trainer of Trainers (ToT) workshop for onward training of the Complementary Basic Education (CBE) Facilitators for Out-Of-School Children (OOSC).

AJ Plaza Hotel, Techiman, the Bono East Regional Capital, hosted the six-day trainers’ workshop.

The Complementary Education Agency is mandated to deliver Complementary Basic Education in Ghana. The CEA is in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reach out to five thousand (5,000) out-of-school children in six districts of three Regions. These regions are Upper West, Bono East and Savanna.

The Executive Director of CEA, Mr. Francis Asumadu, emphasized that the Agency was collaborating with GES to run CBE. He insisted that collaboration was paramount in this area of education. Therefore, the experience acquired by GES over the years can be tapped into for success.

Mr. Asumadu was full of praise for the participants for their commitment. He reminded participants that the CBE programme was the Government of Ghana funded. He believed that there would be a successful Initial Facilitators Training Workshop.

Mr. Francis Adei and Ms. Grace Agyeiman-Duah and the lead, Alhaji Karim, were the three Resource Persons from the National Teaching Council (NTC) and School for Life respectively.

The lead of the Resource Persons, Alhaji Karim, requested the review of the Primers. He suggested the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) as organizations which can support the review process. Alhaji Karim indicated that after six to eight years, it was relevant to review the Primers.

He mentioned the Ghana Education Service as an Agency that should be involved in reviewing the Primers. However, he admitted, it’s capital-intensive.

Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, Deputy Executive Director of Support Services, CEA, addressed participants at the closing ceremony. He profoundly expressed gratitude to the Resource Persons for their dedication. He also praised Master Trainers for committing their time to support the programme.

Ms. Gloria Ameh Mensah, Deputy Executive Director of Operations, encouraged the Master Trainers to give up their best. Primers and Manuals were distributed to aid the Initial Facilitator’s training workshop.

CEA TO BECOME THIRD FORCE OF EDUCATION PROVISION IN GHANA

The Complementary Education Agency (CEA) has held a National Stakeholders Consultative Workshop at Capital View Hotel, Koforidua the Eastern Region. The workshop aimed at soliciting the input of stakeholders towards drafting three documents: the Legislative Instrument, Complementary Education Policy and Resource Mobilization Strategy.

It was the third in a three-part series of workshops, which saw different stakeholders meet earlier at the Northern and Southern Zones.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Acheampong, opened the workshop. He expressed his delight to associate with the Complementary Education Agency’s efforts to bring the out-of-school back to the classroom. However, he advised the management of the CEA to consult the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs to prevent any stalemate in laying the Legislative Instrument (LI) before the Parliament.

The Executive Director of CEA, Mr. Francis Asumadu, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for the show of commitment to the Agency’s course. He was highly appreciative of the response given to the invitation by stakeholders.

The Stakeholder representatives present were the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), Ghana Education Outcome Project (GEOP), Ghana Education Service (GES), UNFPA, UNICEF and UNESCO. Others were Afrikids, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PBME) of the Ministry of Education and the host Agency.

During the three-day workshop, stakeholders demonstrated a commitment to see the Agency succeed in developing the three documents.

In a swung song, many of the stakeholders admonished the Agency. Some advised that positioning the Agency as an institution taking charge of out-of-school programmes would ensure it stays relevant. Others called for recruitment, capacity building and a change of mindset of staff.

The La Municipal Coordinating Director emphasized the need for the Agency to partner with fundraisers who have been winning grants for organizations. He indicated that this would aid the resource mobilization drive of the Agency.

In addition, the Deputy Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) gave a firm indication of the readiness of the Council to support the Agency in the implementation of programmes.

Additionally, the Deputy Director-General of the National School Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) stated that the Authority has captured some CEA programmes to support. Adding their voice, the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC) promised to advocate for adjustment of the one per cent Basic education budget support to 5 per cent.

Dr. Ghartey, the Lead of the Technical Assistants Team of Consultants, indicated that a draft of the documents would be ready in April, 2023 for the validation workshop in May, 2023. He called for the commitment of all stakeholders to the realization of the set target. He concluded by admonishing that there is the need to “Empty yourself to be filled, again”.

In a closing remark, the Executive Director, Mr Asumadu, acknowledged the response of stakeholders to the workshop despite the short notice. He stated that the CEA would become the third force of education provision in Ghana after GES and TVET Service.

Ultimately, Mr Asumadu called on the stakeholders to assume an ambassadorial position for the Agency.

FCDO HELPING TO POSITION COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION IN GHANA

The first of three-part series of stakeholder’s consultative workshops for the development of the Complementary Education Agency Act 2020 (Act 1055) Legislative Instrument (LI), Complementary Education Policy (CEP) and Resource Mobilization Strategy documents took place at NODA Hotel Fumesua in the Ashanti Region.

The five-day programme brought together stakeholders from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the District Assemblies. The rest were the Department of Social Welfare, the Ghana Society for the Blind and the Ghana Education Service (GES).

The Executive Director of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA), Mr. Francis Asumadu, expressed profound gratitude to the institutions that responded to the invitation. He decried literacy levels in the country.

Further, Mr. Asumadu indicated that the Agency was financially constrained. He was of the view that the situation could

change through a well-structured resource mobilization strategy. He referred to other institutions within the complementary education space, which require a policy to regulate the ecosystem.

The Executive Director implored participants to be allies of the Agency.

The Consultants carried along the participants throughout the entire period of workshop. The Foreign Commonwealth Development Office sponsored Consultants brought their best to the programme. The Technical Assistants Team of Mr. Emmanuel Ofori-Bah, Mr. Justice Agyei-Quatery, and Mr. Ferdinand D. Adadzi, led by Dr. Adom B. Ghartey, presented each session with finesse and were down to earth. The presentations brought the participants up to scratch with the Agency and its mandate.

The Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) came up for mention for sponsoring the workshop. The Office has become a worthy partner that is ensuring the total operationalization of the Agency. The financial support offered by

the FCDO is proving to be a game changer.

The second phase of the Stakeholder Consultative workshop will host participants from the Southern sector at Capital View Hotel, Koforidua from Sunday the 19^th to Thursday the 23^rd March, 2023.

 

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MY FIRST DAY AT LITERACY CLASS, 2023

As part of measures to deepen and entrench the morale of Learners in the Functional Literacy Programme, the Management of the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) has initiated a programme dubbed “MY FIRST DAY AT LITERACY CLASS”

The Day is observed every year on the first Tuesday of February. It is an open day of interaction between Learners and CEA Management in all our Literacy Classes across the country. The occasion allows the Learners to express and discuss their challenges with the Management. Efforts are made to address and remove every hurdle that impedes facilitation and learning.

This year, the Executive Director, Mr. Francis Asumadu, the Deputy Executive Directors, Support Services, Mr. Emmanuel Ntim and Operations Ms. Gloria Ameh Mensah and the Greater Accra Regional Director, Ms. Rita Asumbala led a team of two each to visit four centers. These venues were Ashiaman, Ga West, East and Madina.

The interactions with the Learners and Facilitators brought some pertinent issues that were disturbing the smooth running of the Literacy Classes to the fore. Management, upon expansive discussions, assured the Learners of their support to ensure that learning improves and stays effective.

Despite the challenges the learners shared, they appreciated the initiative to bring learning to their doorstep. They see the opportunity to learn as a second chance to enable them to participate in the current technological world. The Learners were encouraged not to give up but pursue education to make their lives better.

Functional Literacy is also one of the mandates of the Agency, which offers opportunities to adults who wish to receive alternative education to enhance their lives. There is a need to activate the levers of interest among the Learners.

Management gave each Learner and Facilitator a package of learning materials to boost their morale. It was a moment of joy when the items partly sponsored by UNICEF were handed to them.

Nonetheless, Management assured the Learners of their support to see them through the period of learning. The day accordingly has been institutionalized.

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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 7^th 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.

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STEM EDUCATION, THE WAY FORWARD FOR GHANA

The end of every working year calls for a thorough review of organizational performance. The outcome will require strategizing for the following year, how to improve upon attained set targets and turn around shortfalls. Many institutions get together to undertake this exercise. The Ministry of Education opted to execute this end-of-year ritual through a thanksgiving service.

The well-attended thanksgiving service came off at the Ohene Konadu Auditorium of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Tuesday, 10th January 2023. It was on the theme “Restructuring Education for National Transformation: Our Role”.

The Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and the Hon. Deputy Minister in charge of General Education, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, were present. Other dignitaries who, graced the occasion were the Chairman Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye and the General Secretary. The Executive Director of Complementary Education Agency (CEA), Mr. Francis Asumadu and the Deputy Executive Director of Operations, Ms. Ameh Gloria Mensah, led the delegation from CEA. The Agency was well represented.

In a sermon delivered by the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Nyamekye, called on all to count our blessings, not curses. He impressed upon the Ministry to be thankful for what we have and be content with it.

The colourful event saw Pastor Nii Okai and Evangelist Diana Asamoah ministering. A host of other Ministers also blessed the service with song ministrations. The General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost led the gathering to say a prayer for Ghana.

In an address, Hon. Dr. Adutwum stressed his vision of education for Ghana. He compared Vietnam producing thousands of engineers every year to Ghana, which is turning out a few. He also referred to South Korea and Ghana’s per capita income, which the latter was well ahead in 196o. He staunchly believes that Ghana can attain the heights of the South Koreans through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Accordingly, he was motivated to build STEM facilities across the country. He requested support from the Heads of Agencies and Departments to achieve this vision. He indicated his commitment to pursuing this agenda.

The impact of the thanksgiving service prompted patrons to call the Ministry to institutionalize it.

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COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION AGENCY AND ECOBANK GHANA LTD COLLABORATED TO DELIVER FINANCIAL LITERACY EDUCATION TO LEARNERS, ESPECIALLY WOMEN IN TRADING AND OCCUPATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT.

The Complementary Education Agency (CEA) in collaboration with the Ecobank Ghana Ltd, organized a Financial Literacy Education (FLE) Module 1, 2 and 3, under the theme “FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR ALL, LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND” to mark the ECOBANK DAY CELEBRATION in Accra on the 12th November, 2022.

The event was held at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Campus in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. In attendance were about 250 CEA learners and 25 Staff Facilitators, drawn from five Districts of the Region, the staff of Ecobank Ghana Ltd as well as the UPSA staff came in their numbers.

On behalf of the Vice Chancellor of UPSA, the Dean of the Faulty of Accounting and Finance, delivered the welcome address. Mr. Daniel Nii Kwei-Kumah Sackey, the Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana Ltd, presented an opening remarks and promised to donate 50 pieces of sawing machines to CEA dress making classes. He pledged to engage CEA to produce a Video on Financial Literacy which will be used to educate the public.

The topics covered at the training included; Bookkeeping, Basic Accounting, Budgeting, Ecobank Financial Literacy Manuals and Basic tools for financial Inclusion.

Ivy Eklemet and Mustapha Iddrisu of UPSA indicated in their facilitation that financial literacy evaluates habits, changes mindset and attitudes to create a long-term financial plan. They defined what finances are, how and where to spend money. The media of facilitation are a blend of English, Twi, GA and Hausa.

They emphasized that, lack of financial literacy will always hinder our progress as business people, for example, at what time one would determine whether the interest rate for borrowing is high or low for businesses? It is only financial literacy skills that can aid you to take an informed decision.

As part of the Ecobank Day Celebration, the bank collaborated with the Agency to send down the information of Financial Inclusion to the general public, since the Agency is in every locality of our society.

The programme was aimed at providing market women and the artisans, mostly in marginalized communities with basic financial skills to sustain and grow their businesses. The culture of savings was also highlighted among participants especially the learners since most of them are predominantly occupational learners, to cultivate the habits of savings towards the future.

In his closing remarks, the Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Ntim, on behalf of the CEA Executive Director, Mr. Francis Asumadu, indicated that, as an Agency, we are committed to literacy in all forms. Over the years we have tried our best to bring literacy to the door step of the vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized. Though, this remains one of our core mandates, we also give considerable admission and consideration to income generation activities.

He said, Financial Literacy seems to be an area a lot of us take for granted or overlook. How to manage and generate funds is an art that one needs to learn deliberately and consciously. Collaborations all over the world remain the overarching medium which has yielded great results.

He reminded participants of the joint celebration of the International Literacy Day in 2018 at Ecobank Headquarters in Accra.

He highlighted that, as an Agency established by an Act of Parliament Act 2020 (1055), one of the main focus of our mandate is to collaborate and coordinate activities within the non-formal education space.

He added that, within the literacy ecosystem, finance reigns supreme and he expected participants to go out and share with friends and families what Ecobank Ghana has impacted to us.

He acknowledged the media for responding to be part of this programme and implored them to use their platforms to propagate the good news on the financial literacy. He appreciated and acknowledged the presence of the Dean of UPSA and the Managing Director and staff of the Ecobank Ghana for their commitment to the programme.

He thanked the Greater Accra Regional and District Directors, facilitators as well as the learners for a successful event even though the notice was very short.

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LAUNCHING OF COMPLEMENTARY EDUCATION AGENCY OF THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. 

The Complementary Education Agency, a sector under the Ministry of Education, out doored its educational programme dubbed “Complementary Education,” on Friday, March 11, 2022.

The ceremony was honoured by the sector Minister, Dr Yaw Adutwum was held at the GNAT Hall in Accra.

Complementary Education is a remodel of what was formally called Non-formal Education.

The programme has been in existence since the inception of the First Republic but was officially incorporated into the Ministry’s functions in 1987 when the government at the time under the leadership of Jerry John Rawlings who saw the need to reform the sector.

The programme has been providing education in various areas to people, particularly adults. This was at the time when the literacy rate among the adult demography was very low in the country.

Adults undertaking an educational course

The programme was therefore supported by the World Bank to provide education to the adult groups to raise the literacy rate of the country.

However, since the World Bank’s withdrawal of its support to the government, the programme has been dwindling until the Akufo-Addo government took the initiative to revitalise it, taking into consideration the need for all to have some form of education to improve upon the quality of their lives.

A bill, Complementary Education Bill 2019, was in effect passed by the 7^th Parliament on October 16, 2020.

The bill was to establish the Complementary Education Agency to see to the provision of educational programmes outside the formal education system in the country.

Per clause 3 of the bill, the agency will formulate policies and guidelines to advance complementary education, it will monitor and evaluate the implementation of approved learning activities in the complementary education sector and develop partnerships to enhance complementary education and occupational skill development.

Speaking on the Anopa Bofoↄ show hosted by Kofi Adoma Nwanwani, the Acting Head of Public Relations of the

Agency, Patrick Twumasi, said the programme to be implemented for children at the basic Junior High School levels and adults, would include skill development and professional training to complement the formal education.

According to him, though the programme is to serve as a complement for formal education and would provide the mentioned services, it is not independent of formal education. Thus, a student undertaking formal education cannot quit and join the non-formal education because he probably is not performing well.

“There will be restrictions laid on the non-formal education which will make it complementary but not independent to compete with the formal education which is structured,” he stated in Twi on the show.

The Executive Director, Francis Asumadu, stressed that the programme is to serve as an alternative means to pursue higher learning without going through structured stages as is typical of the formal educational system.

“The formal education is so structured such that it takes few people to jump from say like six to JHS; it is difficult to make it into SHS when you haven’t been through the primary education.

“The new system comes to provide an alternative system where without a stage one can still pursue other levels of education to achieve the results he seeks” the Executive Director said.

Touching on the various levels of education, he noted that for the basic education, children who may not have had formal education before would be taught in their mother tongue and their performance would determine what stage they will be placed−whether class 3 or 4−to continue their basic education.

On JHS students, he mentioned that on completion of the programme they will be awarded certificates that will help them enrol in any formal education institution to retake their final examinations to help them advance into Senior High School.

About the adults, their education would cut across sectors of the economy, thus for those into business, they may take courses that are finance-oriented to educate them on finance management among others, likewise for other sectors.

The programme according to the agency would be held in three sessions: morning, afternoon and evening. This is to ensure that no person needing their services is left behind

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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.

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