The St. Anne’s Vocational Technical Institute in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region has marked a significant milestone in its establishment with a call on the government to ensure that secondary and vocational students are equipped with additional life skills.

The event marked under the theme, “Quality practical skills training, a tool for self-reliance,” saw 40 students and 20 others graduate in catering and fashion designing respectively during the event which coincided with the school’s 55th graduation ceremony.

The event was graced by parents of the graduands, the clergy, Rev. Fathers, Fathers, Sisters and alumni of St. Anne’s Vocational Institute.

Guest of honour at the event who is also the board chairman at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority acknowledged the role played by the school in training many young girls, some of whom have become independent and successful entrepreneurs.

Highlighting the significance of the theme, Mr. Isaac Osei who is also former Ghana ambassador to the United Kingdom underscored the need to equip secondary and vocational students with additional life skills.

“Skills such as computer skills, communication skills, digitalization, soft skills and relationships, time management, etc. are essential expertise needed in today’s world,” he told the gathering.

The guest speaker also charged the headmistress and teaching staff to equally equip themselves with interpersonal skills to enable them have access to the world’s many emerging opportunities.

Principal of the Institute, Sister Scholastica Nsiah remarked that St. Anne’s, aside from fulfilling its role as change makers and a foundation of vocational training has also churned out products who have added value to both local and international trades.

“Our institute has been a catalyst for change, a hub of innovation, and a cornerstone of vocational education in our community. We have consistently produced skilled graduates who have made significant contributions to various industries both locally and internationally,” said the school head.

Adding, she said: “One of our greatest successes lies in our ability to adapt and evolve with the changing times. We have continuously updated our curriculum to meet industry demands, integrated modern teaching methods, and fostered partnerships with businesses to provide our students with real-world experiences. Our commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous accolades and recognitions for our students and faculty.”

She however identified financial constraints, an ultra-modern kitchen, classroom furniture, state-of-the-art workshops for technical programs, a well-furnished sick bay, lack of computers and wi-fi network, lack of infrastructural development, and keeping pace with technological advancements as notable challenges facing the institution. Despite these challenges, she said the school has remained steadfast in its dedication to providing quality vocational education to its students.

Some notable projects undertaken under the tenure of the current headmistress include the construction of a new school gate, revival of the piggery, reopening of the eatery, refurbishment of the grotto, drilling of a new borehole and the introduction of new academic programs.

The school also recorded some successes in its external examinations. Miss Scholastica said that out of the 297 candidates presented for the WASSCE 2023, 214 passed six to eight Subjects representing 72%.

She said although the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) education and free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs by the government has had a significant impact on the institute’s enrollment through increased access to education for many students, she, however, appealed to government to allow the school to provide short course training for the youth within the institute.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Lower Manya Krobo who doubles as the NPP Parliamentary Candidate (PC) for the area, Simon Kweku Tetteh congratulated the school on its milestone and on behalf of the vice president and NPP Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia pledged an amount of GHS 60,000 to support the school’s developmental efforts.

He recognized the school’s contributions towards supporting the government’s efforts in training the youth of the area in vocational and technical education and further pledged the continued support of the Assembly for the school and its graduates in their quest to secure attachment opportunities with government institutions.

“We’re going to support them in their practical and also when they’re doing their attachment so we give them the chance to go to the various government institutions to also learn the practical things that are happening there,” the MCE assured.

According to the Assembly chief, the Assembly in collaboration with the business advisory center will provide the school with the necessary equipment to adequately enhance their teaching and learning activities in order to sufficiently equip them for the job market.

Establishment of St. Anne’s Senior High/Vocational School

The St. Anne’s Senior High Vocational School was established as St. Anne’s Vocational Institute by the late Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers SVD, the second catholic bishop of the then catholic bishop of Accra, in 1963.

It was previously situated at Agomanya before being moved to its present location at Nuaso with four girls and officially registered by the Ministry of Education as a private vocational institute on June 02, 1965.

Bishop Bowers’ aim of setting up the Institute was to offer an alternative to deprived girls who could not further their education after completing elementary school.