Cabinet approves initiatives to boost Science, Maths and Engineering in schools

Cabinet has given approval for two initiatives aimed at boosting Science, Maths and Engineering across basic and senior high schools in Ghana.

The first phase of the initiative is the construction, provision of equipment and training of trainers for regional Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Mathematics centre’s for SHS System.

The second initiative is a Basic Science, Maths, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programme at 76 million pounds for delivery and installation of BSTEM equipment, training to improve quality of science and Maths education within the basic education system in Ghana.

Throwing more light on the initiatives at the meet the press series in Accra on Tuesday, the minister for information, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the first project which is budgeted at 88million cedis is a school based interactive science and technology learning centre.

In addition, he said it would provide practical approaches towards learning in Senior High Schools.

 “The overall aim of the project is to enrich the academic contents offered by formal training in STEM”. The project will improve the pedagogy of teaching of basic Maths and Science, address the fear of teaching and learning Maths and Science as well as provide Technology kits for Maths and Science education”.

He further stated that, the project will also provide ICT equipment to improve the competency of both teachers and students.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah explained that the first phase of the project will comprise ten centres while the second phase will detail six additional centres.

He further stated that the project will be completed at a space of two years after parliament’s approval.

Touching on the second project, Mr Oppong-Nkrumah said the Basic Science, Maths, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programme is aimed at developing the teaching of Science and Maths to better prepare teachers to impart practically and also develop problem solving skills.

According to him, the project also seeks to introduce engineering and technology concepts at the basic education levels.

It further aims at improving the quality of Science and Maths education and resources at the basic levels.

 He said the programme covers all basic schools in Ghana , adding that it has three phases which includes training modules for regional advisors and teachers.