![Citadel Foundation For Kids [CFK]](http://www.citadelfoundationforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cropped-Screen-Shot-2016-02-09-at-7.00.43-PM.png)
Online initiative brings in some big names
The Vodafone Foundation has announced an initiative to provide people in Ghana, the DRC, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania with access to free online learning materials. The “Instant Classroom” project is being crafted with help from Learning Equality and Khan Academy, who are collaborating to develop the online materials. Vodafone Ghana CEO, Yolanda Cuba, spoke of how this initiative would take advantage of technology to allow Ghanaians to “compete on the same level as their counterparts in the developed countries.” Cuba highlighted that not only is the program cost-effective, it was developed to be updated instantly—students will receive the latest information and insights at no cost.
More Telco’s helping out
While outdone by the Vodafone initiative, the MTN Ghana Foundation also announced some efforts directed at education broadly defined. MTN has commissioned an eight-unit dormitory for the Apam Senior High School in the Central Region. The project will add 60 bunk beds and modern washrooms and will cost GHC 400,000. MTN has long been regarded for its charitable actions (“the project adds to the 135 projects across Ghana… and over 1000 Scholarships”).
Non-Telco’s helping out
Hess, the international oil company, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) hosted their annual scholarship awards. Now in its fifth year, the Hess-GNPC Scholars Program was created to help qualified but underprivileged students gain access to an education. Frank McKay, General Manager of Hess Ghana, declared that 125 new students would be supported for the 2016-2017 school year. The new students bring the total number of scholarship beneficiaries under the program to 521.
Thumbs up!
Accra Girls Senior High School (AGOSA) had its annual Speech and Prize day, and, naturally, the school’s headmistress gave a speech. While the accomplishments of her students (e.g., being voted best overall SHS in Greater-Accra in 2015) made it easy for Headmistress Acolatse, she went beyond merely talking about awards or rankings. She spoke of how having teachers and parents set high expectations has shaped students’ attitudes and behavior. She talked of how AGOSA is responding to a more innovated and competitive world by implementing more “creative ways of teaching, learning, and inclusion of real life experiences of learning that includes practical not theoretical.”
Cheery news from the UN
The UN report on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) shows Ghana has come a long way in reducing “extreme poverty, hunger, disease, environmental degradation, and gender inequality.” Given its broad scope, the report measured both educational and non-education achievements. In particular, the report highlighted progress related to increasing access to education equally for boys and girls.
Another week, another strike
The Newly Trained Teachers Association of Ghana (NeTTAG) has announced that it will go on strike at the end of November if its needs aren’t met. In a typo-riddled document, NeTTAG lists its demands. The demands, surprisingly, are almost entirely qualitative. Among them, wanting more detailed appointment letters and properly outlining how to proceed with salary appeals.
Also…
The Registrar of the Allied Health Professions Council called on private health educational institutions to obtain necessary accreditation for their programs.
President Mahama honored Professor Chukwuka Okonjo for his contributions to Ghana’s education system.
GES Director-General, Jacob Kor, is asking teachers to find alternative ways to discipline students, rather than physical means such as a cane.
A nice story about Emma Parker (a former volunteer in Ghana) from the UK who is collecting children’s books to send to girls in Ghana.
Hats off to Ashesi University for winning the Model Democracy Debate on national development. As reward, Ashesi University was presented with GHC 3,000 and tablets.