University of Education establishes unit to promote study of science

Winneba (C/R) Dec. 7 GNA - The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has established a Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST), to develop relevant materials for teaching and learning in Ghanaians schools.

The Vice-Chancellor of the UEW, Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw said the major reason for establishing the Unit was to deal with the problems faced by children in studying science subjects. Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw made this known in a speech read on his behalf at the Maiden Speech and Prize-giving Day of Nananom School at Ansaful near Winneba on Saturday.

The theme for the celebration was: "Ensuring a Holistic Education for the Adolescent; the Key to Effective Human Resource Development." He said the mandate given to SACOST was to study the indigenous, formal and informal industries and develop relevant materials that are contextualised to fit into the curriculum used in the schools. "The main aim of this is to improve the attitudes of our children towards science subjects and demystify science to the advantage of both female and male students".

Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw noted that appropriate and well-planned educational system that considered the well-being of the people as paramount would facilitate the promotion of peace and good democracy. The Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Mr Mike Hammah said in an address read on his behalf that government had introduced the Capitation Grant, Early Childhood School Feeding Programme and the provision of free school uniform for school children as means of improving on the education sector.

"These are all aimed at achieving the overall policy of making education Free and Compulsory for every Ghanaian child and as a first step towards efficient human capacity development," he said. Mr Hammah expressed concern about the increasing rate of crime in the society and entreated the clergy, parents, teachers and other stakeholders to initiate plans to reverse the anti-social activity. The Headmaster, Mr Eric Appiah commended the Parent-Teacher Association of the school for their contribution towards the provision of structures for the educational facility.