PERSCO SETS THE PACE, BECOMES FIRST PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TO LAUNCH AN AI LAB ON CAMPUS

 

St. Peter’s Senior High School ,Nkwatia, in the Eastern Region has made history by being the first public Senior High School in the country to have an Artificial Intelligence (AI) lab deployed on its campus.

On Saturday 29th April 2023, a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) lab was launched by Coral Reef Innovation Hub. This lab is the result of collaboration between NEIP, Intel, and the St. Peter’s Old Boys Association (PERSCOBA) and represents a significant step forward in the development of AI technology in the student and staff community.

The AI lab is equipped with the latest technology, including advanced computing resources, state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms, and powerful data analytics tools. A team of expert researchers and scientists are now able to work together with the students and staff to develop new AI applications and systems that can help solve some of the most pressing problems facing our society today.

One of the primary goals of the AI lab is to support innovation and entrepreneurship by providing entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to create new AI-based products and services. Through this initiative, the benefactors hope to shape mindsets and release latent potential in the student and staff community.

The AI lab is also dedicated to advancing research and development in the field of AI. The team is constantly exploring new avenues for AI research and developing cutting-edge solutions to complex problems in a range of areas, including healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, finance, and more.

The launch of the AI lab at St Peter’s Senior High School by Coral Reef Innovation Hub, is a major milestone in the development of AI technology in the PERSCO community. They are excited about the opportunities this lab will create for entrepreneurs, researchers, and our community as a whole, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on their society.

The Ministry of Education and its agency, Ghana Education Service (GES) are grateful for the support of all stakeholders including NEIP, Intel, and the St. Peter’s Old Boys Association, whose generous contributions have made this initiative possible. They look forward to working together to drive innovation and growth in our community through the power of AI.

The president of the old students association revealed that the lab was built with contributions from year groups spanning 1974-2008, Perscoba UK and Perscoba North America as a way of showing appreciation and giving back to their alma mater for its impact on their lives. The headmaster of St. Peter’s also acknowledged the efforts of these old students and vouched to ensure that the facility is utilized for its purpose.

The Managing Partner of Coral Reef Innovation Hub, Mr. Richard Osei-Anim, said the core focus of Coral Reef was to increase access, equity and inclusion by introducing Education 4.0 solutions to bridge the digital poverty gap across Africa. St. Peters was taking the lead however Coral Reef and its partners will be working with the Ministry of Education and The Ghana Education Service to support efforts at deepening the penetration of these solutions across the education landscape as they jointly built a pipeline of transformation.

He further explained that the essence of training the youth in Artificial Intelligence is to equip them with skills for the future, as automation replaces routine tasks, innovation presents an opportunity to train students with different types of skills which will prepare them and make them fit for purpose for the future of work.

Non-Performing Schools To Be Closed Down - Affected Students To Be Redistributed To Other Nearby Schools – Dr Adutwum

 The Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has called on the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training TVET Institutions to improve their educational outcomes or stand the risk of having their institutions closed down.

He stated that intervention programs should be put together for schools with a consistent zero to ten per cent pass rate to ensure that majority of their students will find opportunity for further studies adding that closing the schools down would help save the nation the huge financial loses being incurred by the government.

Dr. Adutwum made the call over the weekend when he addressed the members of the Conference of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) and Principals of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kumasi on Saturday and Sunday.

The meeting which is an annual event was to share with them current state of education in the country, discuss new development in the sector and answer questions on issues affecting them.

The meeting which were in two batches saw all SHS heads attending on Saturday while Principals of TVET institutions across the country also attended on Sunday.

Dr Adutwum indicated that non performing schools would be closed down and affected students would be redistributed to nearby schools for them to continue their education and become relevant to the nation.

The Minister lauded the Heads for their roles in the transformation of education in the country and pledged to continue providing the needed resources and urged them to work very hard to ensure that they attained the right results.

The Deputy Minister for Education, in-charge of TVET, Ms Gifty Twum-Ampofo, MP, reminded the Principals to ensure that students were well equipped for the job market and also let the schools pass through them and not the students passing through the school.

She also urged them to spend time enhancing their capacity through reading relevant courses and books to support their effort at getting the best training for their students.

Presentations were made by the leadership of the Ghana Education Service (GES), National Education Leadership Institute (NELI), Free Senior High School Secretariat, Funds and Procurement Management Unit (FPMU), and the Ghana TVET Service.

Source: Ghana Education Service

GES Organises STEM/STEAM Camp for SHS Students

 

The GES through its Science Education Unit organises STEM/STEAM Camp for SHS students in Saltpond at GESDI in the Central Region.

The event currently underway, brought together over 250 SHS students from selected SHSs from all regions within the country to be taught some STEM/STEAM topics.

The 5-day long event which started on Monday 20th February, put students into different classes for project-based activity learning. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Computing are some of the subjects the learners are studying at the camp.

As part of the Science, Technology, Mathematics and Innovation Education (STMIE) programme, students are allowed to build projects and practice the piloting and flying of drones.

The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with other sponsors such as Academic City University, Omega Compu-Systems Engineering Ltd, Labs Ghana, Petroleum Commission, ACTS Robotics, German Cooperation, Giz, Energy Commission and Blue Skies seek to use STEM/STEAM for national development.

The students are excited that they are learning concepts under Robotics, Coding and Programming so that they can fit into the 21st century global job market.

The event is organised under the theme "Domesticating STEM/STEAM Education for National Development" and aims at increasing the study of STEM/STEAM per capita in the SHSs to propel national development.

"Students with soft skills have the potential to contribute meaningfully to national development as compared to their counterparts with other skills", says the Director for Science Education Unit (National STEM Resource Centre), Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare.

It is worthy of note that under the GES' policy to give girls the opportunity to study STEM/STEAM programmes, all girls senior high schools in the country are represented at the camp.

Again, all the 13 schools under the Secondary Education Transformation Programme (SETP) are equally represented to give students from such schools the opportunity to also build projects.

Students from the Cape Coast special school are also taking part in the activities of the camp to bring out the Inclusive nature of the camp.

This year's camp ends on Friday 24th February 2024 with a grand durbar at the Mfantsiman Girls SHS in Saltpond.

Public Relations Unit

23/02/23

PLACEMENT 2023 UPDATE

Form One students are to report to their schools from 20th February 2023 to pick up their prospectuses and complete the necessary registrations and orientations.

School officially reopens for Academic work on 27th February for Form Ones.

The one-week period is for students and parents to prepare adequately for school and to ensure a smooth transition into their schools. 

For your SHS online admission follow this link https://www.myshsadmission.com/site/ You can have access to about 58 schools.

APPLY NOW: NACCA IS RECRUITING

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) is an agency under the Ministry of Education mandated by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) to develop national curriculum and assessment standards for pre-tertiary educational institutions other than technical and vocational training institutions. NaCCA is recruiting book assessors in all subject areas for all pre-tertiary levels. Follow this link to apply:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWhmGA6Coywt4nKZqVfozwqhW_v-jaz8cGsh6f2U4_43LzTg/viewform

President Inaugurates New ICT Kindergarten School in Kwabenya

Ghana's President has inaugurated a new Kindergarten School in Kwabenya, which has been equipped with state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities. The new facility, built by BSW International, will help to provide quality and inclusive early childhood education, allowing all children to play and learn together.

The new school is part of the government's commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4.2, which aims to ensure that all children have access to early childhood care and development by 2030. The government has already constructed 160 of the planned 350 kindergarten blocks and has renovated several others.

In his remarks, the President reaffirmed the government's commitment to investing in education and helping to secure the country's future. He said that these interventions are essential for the growth and development of Ghana, and that the government is preparing the country's youth for a prosperous future.

The inauguration of the new ICT Kindergarten School in Kwabenya is a significant step forward in ensuring that all Ghanaian children have access to quality early childhood education. The new school will help to equip young children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in primary education and beyond.

GES Marks 8th International Day for Women and Girls in Science

The Ghana Education Service (GES), in collaboration with the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), marked the International Day for Women and Girls in Science at the Achimota School on Friday 10th February 2023.

The event, which was celebrated under the theme “Innovate, Demonstrate, Elevate, Advance and Sustain” brought together young girls from the SHSs and Basic schools to mark the day.

As part of activities to mark the day, exhibition stands were mounted to showcase some of the scientific creations of the young, talented girls.

The Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Management Services, Mr. Stephen Kwaku Owusu, who represented the Director-General in his opening remarks, said the GES and Government are committed in training the current generation of young students to meet the 21st century skills set that is prevalent in the job market now.

This day which was equally marked in all the schools across the country, saw various stakeholders in the science fields of study and some agencies of the United Nations take turns to give fraternal messages and statements to amplify the need for women and girls to challenge themselves and venture into the study of science.

The Director for Science Education at the GES and Manager of the STEM Centre, Mrs. Olivia Serwaa Opare, in her remarks, said the main idea for the celebration was “Bringing Everyone Forward for Sustainable and Equitable Development”.

There were poetry recitals and a drama sketch by school children in celebrating women and girls who are breaking the odds and breaking the glass ceilings in the study of science.

Students from the Dzorwulu Special School gave the event a very colourful choreographic performance to entertain the audience, whereas students from the Akropong School for the Blind thrilled the dignitaries and audience with a good rendition of music.

Source: Public Relations Unit, GES

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION BEGINS NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF FURNITURE TO BASIC SCHOOLS

 As part of the nationwide distribution of furniture to basic schools in need, the Ministry of Education dispatched 2300 dual desks to over 80 basic schools in Kpandai Education Directorate in the Northern Region.

This is in line with Government’s effort to provide basic needs and amenities to public schools and also to improve quality education in Ghana.

Meanwhile, about 2700 more desks are expected to be dispatched to other schools in the same educational directorate in two weeks.

In total, a little over 40,000 pieces of furniture which include dual desks, library chairs and tables, teacher’s chairs, and tables, notice boards, and bookshelves among others are expected to be dispatched to various basic schools in the country.

The Ministry is convinced that little by little, we will reach the apex in our quest to improve Education in Ghana for our future leaders and generation.

Source: Ministry of Education

GES ANNOUNCES DATES FOR TEACHER'S PROMOTION EXAMS

 

    

The Ghana Education Service  has announced the examination dates for its staff who are due for promotion. In a letter released to all regional directors and sighted by educationinfoghana.blogspot.com, the service indicated that the shortlist of applicants eligible to write the aptitude test for promotion to the ranks of Principal Superintended, Assistant Director II, Assistant Director I and Deputy Director had been completed.

The letter also indicated that index numbers, regional centers and other vital information will be communicated through Regional Directors to all shortlisted applicants. 

The proposed dates are 28th February and 1st March, 2023.

We wish all applicants the best.

Find the letter below.

CETAG Resumes Suspended Strike Today

 

The College of  Education Teachers Association of Ghana is expected to resume its suspended strike today, 6th January, 2023

Below is the statement from CETAG

Why Quota System in Colleges of Education Has Been Reintroduced

 

Director General of GTEC, Prof Mohammed Salisu

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has explained the decision to reintroduce the admission quota system at the Colleges of Education in Ghana and. says it is as a result of limited infrastructure.

In a letter dated December 16, 2022, it was announced that the quota system for the 46 accredited Public Colleges of Education was being reintroduced for the 2022/2023 academic year.

According to the GTEC, a total of 12,002 prospective teacher trainees are expected to be admitted into the Colleges of Education for the 2022/2023 academic year.

According to the Director General of the GTEC, Professor Mohammed Salifu, physical spaces at the various Colleges of Education are limited due to the running of the four-year system, hence the move to bring back the quota system and cut down on enrolment.

“We planned a programme of physical infrastructural expansion, but the expansion hasn’t kept pace with the progress of the cohort. So as it stands now, physical space is still a little limited. You would have heard that we have hostel projects going on across all the various colleges. While that is ongoing, we have to manage the space we have. That is what informed the decision,” the Director General of GTEC explained.

Source: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news

GES TO LAUNCH PLC APP

 

Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that it will be rolling out a new app called GES PLC App in a bid to improve the implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in basic schools across the country.

The app, which has been developed with the assistance of the Ghana Library Authority, will be introduced in three phases, with the first phase targeting basic schools in the Upper West, Northern, Oti, Bono East, Greater Accra, and Western Regions in January 2023.

To ensure that the app is used effectively, GES will be conducting virtual training sessions for District Training Officers, ICT Coordinators, Deputy Directors of Supervision, School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs), and Basic School Coordinators.

The training sessions, which are scheduled to take place in December 2022, will aim to provide these officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the implementation of PLCs in their respective schools.

In a letter addressed to all Regional Directors of Education, the Deputy Director-General of GES, Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, requested that the Metro, Municipal, and District Directors be informed of the training sessions and that the relevant officers be encouraged to fully participate. The letter also stated that the link for the virtual meeting will be shared in due course.

The introduction of the GES PLC App is expected to greatly improve the implementation of PLCs in basic schools, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes for students.

GES is confident that the training sessions will ensure that the app is used to its full potential and will be grateful for the usual cooperation of all Regional Directors of Education in this matter.

Source: https://web.facebook.com/InformedTeachersNetwork

Ghana Tertiary Education Commission Issues Reminder to Public Universities and Colleges

 The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a reminder to all public tertiary education institutions in the country to strictly adhere to the approved fees and charges for the 2022/2023 academic year. According to a letter from GTEC, the Parliament of Ghana has approved a maximum 15% increase on fees charged in the 2021/2022 academic year.

However, the commission has received numerous petitions from students and other individuals alleging that some universities are charging fees far in excess of this approved increase. GTEC has warned that any increases above the approved rate will be in direct contravention of the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080) and could result in sanctions from the Parliament of Ghana.

In an effort to address financial challenges faced by some students, GTEC has also advised institutions to consider accepting a 50% part-payment of fees to enable students to register at the beginning of the year, with a specific payment plan agreed upon for the balance to be paid based on individual circumstances. This measure is intended to provide flexible terms of payment and reduce the fee-default rate among students with genuine financial difficulties.

Source: ITN

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR TIER-2 WHEN YOU LEAVE GES?

 Question: Should I leave GES, what happens to my Tier-2 contributions?

GESOPS Answer:

When members get a new employer and hence leave the GES, their Tier - 2 contributions can be handled in two ways:

Members can port funds out of GESOPS, to the Tier-2 scheme of their new employer

Members can leave funds in the GESOPS account for it to mature and then make a claim during retirement.

In the coming days, we will take you through the process of how to port out of GESOPS, should you leave the GES.

Visit www.gespensions.com.gh to learn more about us, and all the benefits you are entitled to, as a member.

Also, follow our page and don’t miss out on all the latest updates we provide through our social media channels.

Source: gedpensions.com.gh