Winneba(CR), June 24, GNA - Authorities of University of Education, Winneba (UEW) on Monday organized a day's workshop to welcome 2,161 final year students who returned from nine months internship (teaching practice) in the classroom.

The student teachers who undertook the internship in basic and second cycle institutions nation-wide as part of their four-year training programme in the University would end their course this year and fill vacancies in the classroom.

Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, Vice Chancellor of the university, addressing the students said the internship was to enable them broaden their experience and understand the realities of teaching in the classroom.

He said it would in addition, enable them develop professional attitudes and qualities of adaptability and sensitivity to the school, pupils and students in the classroom.

Professor Asabere-Ameyaw pointed out that the internship would help them to develop practical understanding and appreciation of their roles as teachers in the society.

Dr George Kankam, Deputy Director of Institute for Educational Development and Extension (IEDE) said internship provided opportunities for reflection and inaction among student teachers and teachers. He said it prepared students to be effective and reflective teacher practitioners as well as viewing the teaching-learning process as a life-long learning activity. Ms Irene Asante, a student teacher on behalf of her colleagues expressed concern about lack of information from the schools to the students at the various stations. She suggested the re-launching of the newsletter at the Centre for Teacher Education and Action Research of the University to help both students and mentors to be abreast with the objectives of internship. Ms Asante said "faculty members" should be encouraged to visit the interns at least once every term to boost their moral. 24 June 08

NSOC 003 Social Meeting Heads Western Region Coordinating Council meets heads of departments on fuel consumption

Sekondi, June 24, GNA - Mr Anthony E. Amoah, Western Regional Minister on Monday, appealed to Heads of Departments in the Region to endeavour reduce their fuel consumption. Addressing a meeting for Heads of Departments at Sekondi, Mr Amoah said the increasing cost of fuel should serve as a reminder to all vehicle users to monitor their movements to save money. He said absenteeism and lateness to work should not be tolerated and efforts must be made to protect government assets under their care. Mr Amoah appealed to them to adopt strategic policies and plans that would make the Region ready and acceptable for any population increase. "The demand for schools, hospitals, provision of potable water, power supply and food would increase due to population influx," he added. 24 June 08

NSOC 004 Social Technical Education Nkoranza Technical Institute admits students

Nkoranza, June 24, GNA - Authorities of Nkoranza Technical Institute, first model technical institute in Brong Ahafo Region has admitted its first batch of students. They are made up of 81 boys and four girls. Mr Albert Adusei, Principal of the Institute told Ghana News Agency at Nkoranza that the institute would admit about 150 students during the 2008/2009 academic year. He said programmes being offered at the institute were Auto Mechanic, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Installation Works, Carpentry and Joinery, Block Laying and Concreting. Mr Adusei said to encourage more girls to seek admission into the institute, authorities had introduced catering services and fashion design.

He appealed to government to assist the authorities with the provision of the necessary infrastructure to help increase enrolment and promote employment among the youth. Mr Adusei said measures to recruit teaching and non-teaching staff had been instituted and effective teaching and learning would commence by September this year.

He explained that admission to the institute was in line with the Computerized School Selection and Placement System and students with aggregates six to 30 were qualified for admission. Mr Adusei was optimistic that Government would provide means of transport for the institute to facilitate movements of staff and students for an effective and efficient administration of the institute.