The GES has implemented new strategies to encourage more Junior High and Senior High students to study science to meet the Technological World Education Standards. The intention is to increase the number of students, representing 12 per cent to 25. The GES and the Ministry of Education have selected resourced personnel to visit all 16 regions to champion the need for (STEM) Science, Technology and Engineering. The National Coordinator in charge of Agriculture and Environment, Victoria Ansah said this when addressing the Heads of JHS, Senior High Schools and students in the Bono East region.
Victoria Ansah urges all stakeholders, including parents and teachers, to be the key players in making this dream a reality. She said studying science is no longer limited to only a few brilliant scholars. She pleaded with the TV Stations, Radio and Social Media to spread the message.
She said, studying science opens more opportunities for learners and helps the nation’s development. According to Victoria Ansah, the government has intended to equip Senior High Schools to make studying science more friendly.
David Bawa, Physics Coordinator, National GES Headquarters, Science Education Unit says, increasing the number of science students from 12 to 25 per cent is mandatory. He pleaded with teachers to tell students the need for science education. He says students pursuing higher education at the tertiary costs a lot, but the reward is also bigger. He pleaded with parents to take the education of their wards seriously. He says there is financial support for the needy to apply, though limited to a few applicants.
He pleads with the parents to discourage the idea that science is meant for only academicians. He says science is a broad area that every student can study. He added that ICT and Mathematics are all science-related, which many people don’t know. He adds science is a broader career path to consider.
David Bawa speaking to Nkyeremu News commended Vera Andor, GES Deputy Coordinator of Free SHS among other key players for implementing the STEM into reality.
Though science is good, parents and students are scared of the huge money they pay in the areas of medicine, and engineering among others. This compels many parents and students to deny science.