Very Rev. Fr. Joseph K. Nsiah, Vicar General of Jasikan Diocese, has appealed to teachers not to only teach their pupils and students for exams but to prepare them for life.
Describing teachers as agents for change and development, he entreated them not to be content with what they already know but to improve and update their knowledge in order to enhance their delivery.
He made the remarks during the opening ceremony of a month-long in-service training programme for teachers from the eight political districts under the Jasikan District, at the Diocesan Formation and Counseling Centre, Nsuta-Buem
The in-service training, the second of its kind in the Diocese aimed at improving educational standards in the eight Districts, was organized by the Jasikan Diocesan Development Office, with sponsorship from Manos Unidas-Spain
Fr. Nsiah, citing the example of Japan and other countries, making through investment in their human resources, called for the same investment in teachers and students in the country, stressing the need for supervision for teachers to deliver.
To make this a reality, Mr. Innocent Bediako, Nkwanta North District Director of Education, also tasked teachers to stay committed to their profession and impact positively in the lives of their pupils and students.
He challenged teachers to add value to themselves, accept posting to deprived communities and share knowledge with their colleagues in order to give off their best at all stages of education to help groom good citizens for the country.
Similarly, Mr. Lawrence Aziale, Jasikan District Chief Executive, who commended the Jasikan Diocese for the project, observed that in-service training was critical for teachers to sharpen their tools in order to deliver.
He also urged teachers to appreciate their profession, motivate themselves, as well as encourage each other, and explore their environment and make the best of the opportunities there.
In line with its vision for education, he said the District has established Scholarship schemes for Teachers and Best graduating students in the District to pursue further studies at the University.
Speaking on the theme:Â Education-Tool for Change for Development, Mr. Linus Attey, a retired educationist, noted that policy and administrative inconsistencies were affecting education delivery in the country.
He, therefore, called on stakeholders to rededicate themselves for the betterment of education in the country, urging the Government to ensure the completion of all uncompleted school buildings, and the provision of Teaching and Learning Material (TLM) on time.
To ensure the attainment of quality and responsive education, Mr. Attey also called for the motivation of teachers to give off their best, while urging the teachers to accept posting to rural areas.
Some participants who spoke to the Catholic Standard expressed their gratitude to the organizers of the programme and noted that the training would go a long way to impact on their delivery in their respective schools.
The Science teachers, who were taken through the training in the first week were able to find simple and innovative ways of developing mirror periscope, osmosis, and diffusion experiment with local materials.
Rev. Fr. Pius Biamse, Director of the Diocesan Development Office noted that the in-service training for the 480 teachers of Science, Mathematics, English, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) was to support teachers at the basic school level and hone their skills with innovative ways to teach the pupils.
He thanked Most Rev. Gabriel A.A. Mante, Bishop of the Diocese, as well as Seth Appiah and Josephine Sika who supports him at the Development Office.
Among dignitaries’ present were some chiefs and Rev. Msgr. Vincent Antie, Director of the Diocesan Formation and Counselling Centre.
By Kwesi Yirenkyi Boateng
