The Ghana Education Service (GES) has launched a toolkit aimed at strengthening the delivery of early childhood education (ECE) across the country.

Dubbed: “National Kindergarten (KG) In-Service Education and Training (INSET) Trainer Manual”, it provides teachers who are already working in schools with the necessary tools and resources to excel in their classrooms by effectively using the play-based, child-centred approach and other creative pedagogies for effective delivery of lessons.

It contains instructional videos and guides among others, for teachers on how they can also promote the involvement of parents and community members in children’s education at the KG level for the implementation of the standard based curriculum. 

The manual was developed by the GES in partnership with key stakeholders in the ECE sub-sector, notably the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Right To Play, Sabre Education, Innovations for Poverty Actions (IPA) among others. 

Significance 

A Deputy Minister of Education, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, who launched the manual, said quality ECE was crucial because a child’s curiosity to learn and the enthusiasm to engage in a lifelong learning pursuit begins at the stage and as such, the manual would be made available to all private and public schools. 

“Researchers have determined that the first five years of every child are so important because 90 per cent of their brain development takes place around that time”, he added. 

Rev. Fordjour said as the world was in the fourth industrial revolution, it was imperative that the government created opportunities for children born in the 21st century and beyond to study in a fitting environment.

The deputy minister said the government would continue to make early childhood education attractive for teacher trainees to ensure increase in the enrolment of related courses in the tertiary institutions. 

“Researchers have determined that the first five years of every child are so important because 90 per cent of their brain development takes place around that time”, he added. 

Rev. Fordjour said as the world was in the fourth industrial revolution, it was imperative that the government created opportunities for children born in the 21st century and beyond to study in a fitting environment.

The deputy minister said the government would continue to make early childhood education attractive for teacher trainees to ensure increase in the enrolment of related courses in the tertiary institutions. 

He reaffirmed UNICEF’s continuous support in terms of capital and technical aid to strengthen the delivery of foundational learning across the country. 

Other key stakeholders also reiterated their support to the GES and all kindergartens to continue playing their roles in developing the future leaders of this country.  

SOURCE: GraphicOnline