Winneba (C/R), Feb. 1, GNA - The University of Education, Winneba, is providing support services to address challenges facing teachers undertaking the Distance Learning Programme.

These include the establishment of 13 distance education study centres throughout the country where learners would meet their tutors monthly. Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, Vice-Chancellor of the University, announced these at the matriculation of 3,519 teachers from the southern sector of the country.

They have been admitted to pursue Diploma in Basic Education and Bachelor of Education Programme, through distance learning, at the Winneba Campus of the University.

Professor Asabere-Ameyaw explained that the study centres have been categorized into the Northern sector, comprising, Atebubu, Bechem, Enchi, Kumasi, Navrongo, Tamale and Wa and the Southern sector comprising Accra, Cape coast, Dambai, Hohoe, Koforidua and Winneba. He said new study centres would soon be established at Tarkwa, Obuasi, Tema, Kaneshie, Techiman, Assin Fosu and Ada-Sogakope. Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw said that the Carnegic Corporation of New York has assisted the University to equip the centres with computers, public address systems, furniture and library books.

He said: "We will soon augment the number of computers and have them networked and hooked on to the Internet for accessibility". Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw said that this would enable the learners to interact with their tutors, maintain and strengthen contacts with them through e-mail and Internet services and obtain information. He said the introduction of the Capitation Grant, School Feeding Programme and distribution of exercise books and school uniforms free of charge to school children have increased enrolment in basic Schools. Prof. Asabere-Ameyaw said there was, therefore, the need for teacher training institutions to produce more teachers.