Ghana to draw lessons from Japan in STEM education — Dr Clement Apaak
Deputy Education Minister, Dr Clement Apaak, says Ghana will seek to emulate the commendable strides Japan has made in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Dr Apaak, who received the Kumon Group delegation on behalf of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, noted that the government had a robust agenda to reform Ghana's education system by making STEM a key pillar.
The Kumon Group was led by the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, to the Ministry in Accra.
He told Ambassador Hiroshi Yoshimoto that as part of the ongoing reforms, the Ministry was set to introduce STEM at the basic education level.
Best practice
"We have a lot to learn from Japan in terms of best practices, particularly in the areas of STEM.
Our government and this Ministry have made it a central component of the reforms currently underway.
“The Minister wants to introduce STEM at the lower levels and is working to incorporate it at the Upper Primary level.
The study of Mathematics has always been a challenge. And so, if we are to make progress, Mathematics, STEM and, of course, TVET, are non-negotiable.
“Given your background in all of these areas, we are happy that you are willing to partner with us for the collective good of both the Japanese and Ghanaian people," he stated.
Dr Apaak expressed his satisfaction that Ghana could collaborate with Japan to realise the objective of making STEM a major aspect of basic education.
Japan’s commitment
The Japanese Kumon Group also pledged their collaboration with the government to boost STEM education in Ghana.
Mr Yoshimoto expressed his country’s commitment to intensifying the study of STEM in Ghanaian schools, emphasising the vital role STEM plays in national development.
He noted that STEM education must be made interesting in order to spark enthusiasm among Ghanaian students.
The Kumon Group delegation included Kentaro Miyoshi (Deputy General Manager, Corporate Strategy Promotion Headquarters/License Business Promotion Department, Kumon Institute of Education), Mariko Suzuki (Deputy Manager, License Business Promotion Department, Kumon Institute of Education), Masaki Tsuda (Team Leader, Global Digital Business Team, License Business Promotion Department, Kumon Institute of Education), Joseph Quarshie (Sozo Global Ministry).
