UEW and DAAD Strategic Partnership Deepens German Language Education
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing German language education in Ghana through its long-standing partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to yield transformative benefits for students, faculty and the wider academic community.
The Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, during a courtesy visit by representatives from DAAD to the UEW Winneba campus, expressed deep appreciation for the support the University has received from the German government through DAAD over the years. He praised the partnership as mutually beneficial and impactful, highlighting its contributions to academic development, staff exchanges and the elevation of UEW’s language programmes.
“We are proud of the excellent work being done by our staff. Our collaboration with DAAD has not only enabled us to grow but also inspired us to push further. This year, we have moved from running a certificate programme in German to a full bachelor’s degree—something we are very proud of,” he remarked.
Prof. Mitchual also called for continued support in staffing the German Education Department, stressing the importance of having native speakers and qualified lecturers to deliver high-quality instruction. He acknowledged the challenges in recruiting such staff locally, noting the need for incentives and broader outreach to attract German academics to teach in Ghana.
Ms. Gudrun Chazotte, Section Head at DAAD, commended UEW for its pioneering role as the first university in Ghana to introduce a bachelor’s degree programme in German. She described the initiative as a significant milestone that aligns with Germany’s objective of promoting global proficiency in the German language. “Winneba is truly a nucleus for the German language in Ghana. You have created a unique product, and it is astonishing. People in Germany assume this would be in Accra. I proudly tell them, no, it is in Winneba,” she stressed.
Ms. Gudrun Chazotte acknowledged the uncertainties of future staffing due to limited applicant interest from Germany. She urged UEW to prioritise the recruitment of more qualified professors for the German Department, potentially drawing from German-speaking academics across Africa.
DAAD Lecturer Ms. Anett Geithner lauded the dedication of UEW’s German language students. She was particularly moved by a student-led initiative where senior students voluntarily teach German in rural schools to promote interest in the language and culture. “It is incredible. Their passion and drive are inspiring. This is a special place, and the motivation here reflects the strength of your faculty,” she said.
Ms. Anett Geithner also extended her gratitude to the university’s leadership for the enduring collaboration with DAAD, emphasising the deep academic and cultural ties that have grown over the years. “We know we can count on Winneba, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come,” she stated.
As UEW cements its reputation as a centre of excellence for German studies in Ghana, the call for sustainable staffing, continued international cooperation and support for student innovation remains at the forefront of this successful transcontinental academic alliance.
