A total of 419 youths in the East Gonja and Kpandai districts have been trained as community-based teachers to increase the low teacher population in the area.

Ibis, an international non-governmental organization, carried out the programme aimed at improving the educational standard and the subsequent results of the Basic Education Certificate Examination in the two districts.

Mr Prosper Nyavor, Director of Education at Ibis, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Association of Community Teachers (ACT) on Monday in Salaga.

The community teachers, who would be stationed in their local communities, underwent a diploma sandwich programme in Basic Education.

Mr Nyavor explained that the group among other responsibilities was expected to develop effective strategies to attract to school the large number of out-of-school children, especially the girl-child.

He said the group had been equipped with an effective teaching methodology called the Learner Centered and Gender Sensitive Approach of teaching and learning.

Mr Baba Issahaku, Deputy Director of Education in Salaga, advised members of the group to be focused, proactive and stick to the professional values and practice of teaching.

“I entreat ACT to always adopt a participatory approach towards dealing with challenges and share information to ensure the growth of the Association,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim Karim, President of the Association, said the group would serve their communities by impacting the knowledge acquired to the younger once.

He appealed to the Government to put in place adequate measures to absorb them into the public structure.