NGO donates 150 science manuals to teachers

Practical Education Network (PEN), a Ghana-based organisation dedicated to improving learning outcomes by enhancing teacher capacity, has donated 150 science manuals to junior high school (JHS) teachers in the Ga East Municipality and the Akuapem South District.

The manuals, approved by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), are to guide the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) teachers on utilising readily available materials such as plastic bottles, rubber bands, and straws to simplify complex scientific concepts.

The approach forms part of efforts to spark students’ interest in practical STEM education at the grassroots level from an early age.

For instance, students learn to use coloured bottle lids, matchsticks, and paper tape to balance scientific equations, among other pragmatic activities.

The initiative is being supported by Ashesi University as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts to promote STEM education.

Before distributing the manuals, PEN facilitators conducted an orientation session for teachers on the use of the materials that are intended to complement existing textbooks.

They were taken through hands-on exercises to equip them with the skills needed to implement practical lessons in their classrooms.

Rationale

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation Manager at PEN, Emelia Benedicta Mensah-Sackey, explained that the goal was to ignite JHS students’ interest in STEM courses as they advanced in their education.

She added that rather than relying on sophisticated science laboratories that may not be available in some schools, PEN’s cost-effective approach was aimed at eliminating traditional barriers to teaching and learning STEM subjects.

“The manuals guide teachers to use materials readily available within the schools, eliminating the need for elaborate science labs,” she added.

To ensure sustainability and effective implementation, Mrs Mensah-Sackey said PEN had partnered with School Improvement Support Officers (SISO) in various municipalities and districts to monitor the adoption of the learning model in schools.

She encouraged teachers to view themselves as change makers by seeking out additional materials to enhance learning outcomes.

Mrs Mensah-Sackey further lauded the Ashesi University for the support, calling on organisations to partner with them to bring practical hands-on pedagogies to the average Ghanaian child through their corporate social responsibilities. 

Gratitude

The Public Relations Officer of the Ga East Education Directorate, Seth Anyormi, expressed gratitude to PEN for their ongoing support in enhancing STEM education.

“Previously, teaching science relied heavily on the theoretical approach. With PEN, we now have a practical perspective in our classrooms,” he stated.