‘Schools should train minds of students’

The Principal of the British Columbia College (BCC) in Accra, Mr Benedict Nii Tetteh Yartey, has urged authorities in basic schools to develop curricula that are tailored towards training the minds of students.

He said such curricula should make students critical thinkers and problem solvers in their communities.

He said success in education should not only be measured by how well students passed their exams but also the impact they made on their communities and the nation.

“The young should be challenged to identify problems in their societies and to find lasting solutions to the problems.

If the young ones are trained to be great thinkers, they can create jobs and will not have to depend solely on the government for employment,” Mr Tettey Yartey said.

Event

The principal was addressing the school’s second graduation ceremony, dubbed “Ghana beyond aid: the role of holistic education in nation building”, which was held on the school’s compound at Adjiringanor in Accra.

Ten Kindergarten Two pupils were graduated on that day.

They received certificates, while pupils who excelled in various subjects were presented with prizes.

“No matter how busy you are as parents try to make room for your children.

Know the kind of friends they make, the activities they are involved in and also the problems they have,” he advised.

He further urged schools in the country to set stringent rules and build strong security systems to ensure students were safe and comfortable in school.

“It is the duty of teachers and school authorities to protect the children from harm and also create a conducive environment for them to study,” he said.

Scholarship

The school granted a full scholarship to the winner of the Talented Kidz Season 10 television reality show, Nakeeyat Sam Dramani, to study at the school.

The school also launched a BCC scholarship scheme — open to every student in the country — to support brilliant needy students to gain access to quality education.

Talents discovery

The Adentan Municipal Education Director, Ms Frances Mabel Williams, advised parents to discover the talents their children have and to help develop them.

She said if the talents were developed, they could become the source of employment and livelihood for the children in the future, and expose them to various opportunities.

“I believe every child has some hidden talents that could be uncovered if parents pay close attention. When skills are discovered and developed they will go a long way in paving the way for children to have a brighter future,” she added.