UEW Partners Sabre Education to Train Kindergarten Teachers
Management of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sabre Education, Ghana to train kindergarten teachers on how to enact the play-based pedagogy in their classrooms.
The MoU aims to enhance training in early childhood education to student teachers of the UEW, working closely with established structures and systems within the education sub-sector.
The MoU, signed between the Department of Early Childhood Education of UEW and Sabre Education, took place at the Council Chamber, North Campus, Winneba.
The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni, in his opening remark at the ceremony, reckoned the expertise of Sabre Education towards the development of early childhood education in the country has been enormous.
“Today everybody is making noise about early childhood but the sad reality is that you cannot count more than two institutions that know what early childhood is about and this group is one of those known nationally and internationally for their expertise in early childhood,” he stressed.
Rev. Fr. Prof. Afful-Broni hinted of the University’s plans to establish a stronger postgraduate programme to really research into what is unique about Early Childhood.
“Of course one of them is that we don’t really believe in large classes; we believe in smaller groups so that we can concentrate on these very precious creatures call children who love to play and be paid attention to; one of the great things that this group is interested in doing is to specialise in the necessary tools and techniques in ensuring that what children have to be taken through so that we can build a stronger foundation for education is done,” he stated.
The Ag. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Andy Ofori-Birikorang, on his part, emphasised UEW’s willingness to network with other institutions that are interested in the areas that the University focuses which is education. He applauded Sabre Education, Ghana for showing much interest in the research aspects of what UEW does that would shape them.
“It is refreshing to hear that Sabre is also interested in that aspect and what they do can be shaped by research. Let me also indicate that if you are talking about childhood education, we shouldn’t be doing business as usual; let us also consider the global trend in terms of educating our kids so that they are well cultivated into the global arena.
“Now, kids all over these days are watching a lot of cartoons and their minds are being shaped by those things and so I am hopeful that the two institutions would be guided by what is happening globally so that ideas and practices that shape how a child develops his or her mind would come into what we are doing,” he said.
The Registrar, Surv. Paul Osei-Barima Esq., who moderated the meeting, assured the visitors of UEW playing their role diligently for a fruitful relationship.
The Executive Director, Sabre Education, Ghana, Mr. Tony Dogbe, recounted the necessity for a nation to invest in the development of children at the early stages of their life.
Sabre Education, Ghana is a Non-Governmental Organisation registered with the Department of Social Welfare – D.S.W./4852 with a focus on supporting the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education in the implementation of the early childhood education programme stated in Ghana Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2018-2030 towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 4.2. which states “…that all girls and boys have access to quality …..pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education”.
Among UEW staff present were the Finance Officer, Mr. Francis Obeng; Ag. Internal Auditor, Mr. Isaac Oduro Marfo; Director, Works and Physical Development, Arc. Grace Oppong Peprah; Deputy Registrar, Division of Academic Affairs, Mr. Collins Owusu-Ansah; Head, DECE, Dr. Yayra Dzakadzie; Head, University Relations Office and Media, Dr. Obaapanin Oforiwaa Adu; Ghartey Hall Manageress, Dr. (Mrs.) Patricia Ananga; lecturers and administrators of the Department.
