Regional News of Friday, 24 June 2011

Source: GNA

YWCA institutions review curriculum

Accra, June 24, GNA - The curriculum of Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) institutions are being reviewed to conform to government's policy to make technical and vocational education bedrock of the nation's development.

The institutions are now undertaking courses in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mathematics and English Language, two of the five core Senior High School subjects.

This was announced by Mr Kweku Ofori-Duro, Principal of YWCA Secretarial School at its 14th Graduation in Accra on Friday.

A total of 316 women graduated with Diplomas in Office Management and Home Management.

Mr Ofori-Duro expressed appreciation to YWCA Ghana for its enormous assistance to the School.

"The YWCA of Ghana has provided the school with adequate and modest training facilities such as classrooms, a training kitchen, a production unit, demonstration rooms, typing pool, computer laboratories, a library and a hostel," he added.

Mr Ofori-Duro urged parents to regularly fulfill their responsibilities to the students since they depended greatly on funds to operate, adding "When the fees are not paid, we cannot upgrade our facilities, training materials and human resources."

He expressed appreciation to the PTA for its assistance to the school and asked the graduands to utilise the knowledge and skills acquired to earn decent livelihood and be patriotic by contributing their quota towards national development.

The Principal noted that efforts were being made to diversify the programmes increase enrolment.

Mrs Beatrice Obro, Acting Director in-charge-of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Education, commended government for its Skills Development Fund which sought to provide financial assistance to vocational and technical schools.

"Government is also committed to the wellbeing of technical and vocational education hence the establishment of the Council of Technical and Vocational Training to coordinate the certification and qualification of Technical and Vocational Schools," she added.

She announced that COTVET had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with selected companies to afford trainees the opportunity to develop their skills trough practical training, and the graduands to strive for progression in their chosen careers and take advantage of opportunities available to them.