Train children to be critical thinkers

A former deputy Minister of Health, Mr Abraham Dwuma Odoom, has advised schools to train children to become critical thinkers who can identify ways to assist in the country’s growth when they become leaders.

He explained that schools should not feed students with every piece of information but should allow them to think deeply by making them conduct their own research to find answers.

That, he said would enable them to grow into independent thinkers who can influence society and the world with their own capabilities.

Mr Odoom gave the advice at the launch of the 60th anniversary and Founder’s Day of the Association International School (AIS) in Accra.

He further advised parents to visit their hometowns with their children, especially during festivals, for them to understand their culture and the needs of their community to assist in its development when they become adults.

The 60th-anniversary and Founder’s Day ceremonies are to celebrate the life of the late Founder of the school, Colonel George E. Amuah (rtd.), for his hard work and commitment to providing quality education.

Some alumni of the school, as well as dignitaries, graced the ceremony and also witnessed the unveiling of the Founder’s Bust and the school’s new anniversary cloth.

The Head of AIS, Mrs Audrey Doryumu, said schools should make creative arts more dominant in children’s academics because it was one of the foundations of nurturing their skills for them to become confident in creating something through their own abilities.

Mrs Doryumu stated that for children to be recognised as visionary leaders, they needed to start determining their strengths early to work towards them and be risk-takers who could lead the country effectively.

The school’s Early Years children illustrated the life of the founder of the school in a drama about his beginnings and how he became a mentor in education.

The school also debuted the AIS @60 song, which was composed by the AIS band, and a host of performances such as an orchestra, cultural display, music and dance, skating, and taekwondo, to celebrate the day.

• The Early Years children of AIS in a performance during the launch of the 60th anniversary of the school