ATIABS Observes “Fruit Day” as Part of Nutrition Friendly School Initiative

 Pupils showcasing their fruits 

Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School (ATIABS) in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region has observed its inaugural “Fruit Day” on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The event marked the school’s recent inclusion in the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative (NFSI), a programme crafted to promote healthy eating habits, sanitation and physical activity within a safe schoo environment.

“Fruit Day” is part of the NFSI, a collaborative effort led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ghana Education Service (GES) with additional support from the Government of Norway. The initiative aims to cultivate healthy nutrition practices, enhance hygiene and sanitation, and encourage physical activities among pupils in participating schools across the country.

Mr. Eshun addressing pupils on "Fruit Day"

During the event, Mr. George Eshun, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator for Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, outlined the various components of the NFSI that will be rolled out in the school. These include, Fruit and Vegetable Day, Health Inspection Day, General Cleaning of School Compounds, Physical Activity Day, Girls’ Iron and Folic Acid Tablet Supplementation, Nutrition Education and the SMART School Initiative. One of the innovative policies crafted by the school to dovetail into this initiative is the “Operation Plant a Fruit,” which seeks to encourage the cultivation of home-grown fruits. This initiative which is set to be rolled out on Thursday, October 17, 2014, is designed to boost pupils’ fruit consumption within a purely organic environment while alleviating the financial burden of purchasing fruits.

In his address to pupils and teachers, Mr. Eshun emphasised the numerous health benefits of eating fruits, including serving as a catalyst in digestion, promoting skin health, providing protection against cancer and other diseases and facilitating wound healing. He encouraged pupils to adopt the habit of eating fruits daily underscoring the importance of personal hygiene practices such as proper handwashing with soap under running water and washing fruits before consumption.

Mr. Eshun also urged teachers to foster a supportive environment for these practices and to promote the principles of the NFSI, ensuring the programme’s successful implementation in the school.

A section of teachers eating watermelon on fruit day

“The observation of “Fruit Day” will be regularly done to foster a culture of healthy living and eating balance meals among pupils of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School and participants of the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative”, he stressed.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

A Desperate Plea: Life-Threatening Condition Struggles of Basic 7 Pupil at Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School

Collins Entsir

Collins Entsir, a 15-year-old pupil of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School in the Ekumfi District of Ghana, has spent over a decade grappling with a life-threatening condition that remains shrouded in mystery. His eyes have transformed from their natural state to a deep yellowish hue, and his once-robust physique now conceals a protruding stomach. The condition has cast a shadow over his academic potential, leaving him struggling in his studies.

From the age of one, Collins' mother, Madam Halima Esi Tawiah, noticed an unsettling change in her son's appearance, a change that would lead her to seek medical attention and even explore traditional remedies. At one point, he was diagnosed with anemia, and a regimen of medication was prescribed. Yet, the improvement was minimal, and the family's anguish persisted.

It was only when a local remedy, derived from boiling the scales of herrings, was introduced that they observed any significant change. Despite their limited financial means, the family managed to obtain a health insurance card to ease the burden of medical bills. Collins' parents, Mr. Paul Wisdom Nkyi and Madam Halima, are dedicated to their son's care, but the weight of their circumstances often leads others to mistakenly perceive them as negligent.

Collins faces not only physical challenges but also the emotional burden of being different from his peers. His relatives, teachers, and even a former headteacher of his school, Mr. Malik Amosa Mensah, have all rallied to support the family find a lasting remedy for young Collins. Nonetheless, the financial constraints they face persist.

Collins Entsir carries a heavy burden of embarrassment due to his situation. He earnestly appeals to the global community for assistance in obtaining a precise diagnosis of his condition and charting a path forward to recovery. His desperate plea echoes the world over: "I want to look like my colleagues," he tearfully implores. This heartfelt cry extends beyond the physical transformation he desires; it is a call for help, an appeal to lift him from the shadow of stigma. It is a plea to restore not only his appearance but also his hope.

Five months ago, Collins sustained a seemingly minor wound on his right foot. Unbelievably, the wound remains unhealed, underscoring the gravity of his condition. Collins' malnourished appearance serves as a testament to the physical toll his condition has taken.

Madam Esi Tawiah joins her son's plea, her voice laden with emotion. "The government, NGOs, individuals, and all who can make a difference, please come to our aid," she implores.

As Collins' hope hangs in the balance, he endures the agony of an unidentified condition that challenges his very existence. This is a story of resilience and the enduring human spirit, a reminder that every life deserves a chance to flourish, no matter the obstacles it faces.

In the midst of this heart-wrenching struggle, Madam Esi Tawiah and Mr. Paul Wisdom Nkyi find solace in a quote that resonates with their relentless determination: "In the darkest hour, the power of a family's love can illuminate the path to hope and healing." They know that their love for Collins will guide them through the darkest times.

Collins' life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering power of hope in the face of adversity.

Former Presiding Member Calls for Contract Extension of Ekumfi District's Education Director

Hon. Amoasi-Andoh

In a remarkable display of appreciation and dedication to quality education in the Ekumfi District, former Presiding Member, Mr. Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh, has urged support from community leaders, dignitaries, and education stakeholders to vote in favour of a five-year contract extension for Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, the District Director of Education for Ekumfi. Mr. Odoom's unwavering commitment and selfless contributions to the Directorate have earned him this plea for continued service.

This plea was delivered during the 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony of the District, held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, under the theme "Honouring Our Heroes for Quality Education in Ekumfi District." The event was designed to celebrate excellence and recognize teachers, especially those serving in hard-to-reach communities, with the aim of inspiring, attracting, and retaining talented educators.

Honourable Amoasi-Andoh, himself an honouree at the event, conveyed the sentiments of the community by appealing to Traditional Leaders, Clergy, Dignitaries, and education stakeholders to jointly petition the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, among other important institutions, to extend Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom's tenure. Such an extension would allow him to continue his exceptional legacy of service to the district.

During his address, Mr. Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh expressed gratitude to all awardees and emphasized the importance of valuing and cherishing teachers as invaluable assets to the community. A total of 63 awards were presented to deserving individuals during the ceremony.

The granting of this petition would enable Director Odoom and his capable team to maintain their exemplary work, in line with their vision for the 3rd edition of the awards ceremony, scheduled for May 2024. Mr. Odoom's dedication to education in the Ekumfi District serves as a beacon of hope and progress for the community.

Central Regional Education Officer Urges for Transformative Education on World Teachers' Day

Mr. B. K. Asare

Mr. Benjamin Kwasi Asare, the Central Regional Planning and Monitoring Officer for the Ghana Education Service, delivered a compelling message during the 2nd Ekumfi Education District Awards' Day Ceremony held on Thursday, October 5, 2023. The event coincided with World Teachers' Day, a global celebration of outstanding educators.

In his address on behalf of the Central Regional Director of Education, Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, Mr. Asare commended teachers and award recipients and called upon them, along with education stakeholders, to become catalysts for positive change in the world. He emphasized that the best teachers are those who inspire students to seek answers themselves, highlighting the pivotal role of educators in shaping future generations.

Mr. Armah, an awardee from Dunkwa Abontsen D/A Basic School

Acknowledging the challenges faced by teachers and schools, Mr. Asare drew attention to issues such as the deplorable condition of school buildings, citing the Dunkwa Abontsen D/A Basic School within the Ekumfi District as an example. He expressed his admiration for an award recipient from this school. Throughout his address, he emphasized the transformative potential of education, stating, "one book, one pen, one child can change the world."  

Dignitaries in a group photo with awardees

The event's centerpiece was the recognition of 63 dedicated teachers from various levels of education, ranging from Kindergarten to Senior High School, as well as Headteachers and Retirees. The celebration also honoured individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to improving education within the district. Distinguished guests included Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (host), Traditional Leaders, Clergy, Hon. Ebenezer Kwesi Monney (DCE for Ekumfi), and his Coordinating Director, Miss. Sabina Otoo (District Director, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam) and other District Directors of Education. 

Mr. Asare's passionate call for transformative education resonated strongly on World Teachers' Day, underscoring the crucial role that educators play in shaping the future and inspiring positive change in society.

Revitalizing Education in Ghana: The Imperative of Reversing the Teacher Shortage

File Photo

As we commemorate World Teachers' Day on Thursday, October 5, 2023, the theme, "The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage," resonates profoundly in the Ghanaian context. This theme serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role that educators play in shaping the future of our nation.

Ghana has made commendable progress in its educational journey. Recent changes in the curriculum and the active role of the National Teaching Council (NTC) are notable steps towards improving the quality of education in the country. However, beneath these positive developments lie persistent challenges that need urgent attention.

Delay in Textbook Supply: Timely access to quality educational materials is essential for effective teaching and learning. Delays in textbook supply hinder educational progress.

Sanitation and Infrastructure Conditions: Many schools in Ghana still lack proper infrastructure and sanitation facilities. Creating safe and conducive learning environments should be a top priority.

Lack of Resources: Adequate teaching resources, including textbooks, teaching aids, and materials, are vital for effective instruction. The scarcity of these resources can impede the learning process.

Examination Malpractices: The prevalence of examination malpractices threatens the credibility of our education system. We must address this issue to ensure that the qualifications earned by graduates reflect their actual capabilities.

To reverse the teacher shortage and ensure the education we desire, we must identify the qualities and competencies required of teachers in Ghana. Our educators should embody subject expertise, pedagogical skills, adaptability to modern teaching methods, and a commitment to fostering critical thinking and creativity among students.

Professionalism is the cornerstone of effective teaching. Teachers in Ghana should demonstrate unwavering dedication to their students' growth, uphold ethical standards, engage in continuous professional development, and foster safe and inclusive learning environments.

Our education system should strike a balance between bookish/liberal and hands-on approaches. While theoretical knowledge is crucial, practical skills are equally essential. A well-rounded curriculum that blends theory with real-world applications prepares students for the complex challenges of the 21st century.

To attract the best talent to the teaching profession, Ghana must invest in competitive salaries and benefits for educators. Furthermore, enhancing the status of teachers through recognition, career development opportunities, and a supportive working environment is essential.

From kindergarten to tertiary education, Ghana must invest in modern and well-equipped educational facilities. Innovative pedagogies and technologies should be incorporated into teacher training programs, and adequate teaching resources must be provided.

As a signatory to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on inclusive and equitable quality education, Ghana must align its educational policies and actions with this global agenda. This commitment ensures that no Ghanaian is left behind in the pursuit of quality education.

The Ghanaian constitution recognizes education as a fundamental human right and places a duty on the state to provide educational opportunities. This constitutional commitment should guide policymaking and resource allocation to meet the educational needs of all Ghanaians.

As we celebrate World Teachers' Day in Ghana this year, let it be more than a routine event. It should serve as a clarion call to action. The teacher shortage crisis is a pressing issue, and addressing it requires collaborative efforts from the government, civil society, and the private sector. Concrete steps should be taken to attract and retain qualified teachers, improve educational infrastructure, and align education policies with global and national aspirations.

Reversing the teacher shortage in Ghana is not just a noble goal; it's an imperative for achieving the quality education we desire. Let this World Teachers' Day be a catalyst for change, a day when we commit to investing in our teachers and, by extension, in the future of our nation.

(c) ShynMediaGh 2023