GES Early Childhood Education policy launched
An Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy to cater for the comprehensive education needs of children of kindergarten-going age has been launched.
The main aim of the ECE policy is to strengthen that sub-sector of the education to advance the developmental growth (physical, cognitive, psychosocial, emotional) of all four to five-year-old children including the disadvantaged, vulnerable and those with disabilities and special needs children.
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The framework was put together by the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) with support from the UNICEF.
Childhood
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the GES Council, Mr Michael Nsowah, expressed delight to be a part of the programme and saying, “if we are to provide quality education for the Ghanaian child, it begins with the early child.”
The UNICEF Country Representative, Madam Anne Claire Dufay, congratulated the ministry and the GES on their leadership in formulating a comprehensive policy framework, which included directives, guidelines and cost monitoring and evaluation plan.
She said it responded to the needs of children and their right to education, protection and participation, adding, “Ghana is the leader in pre-primary education in sub-Saharan Africa.
Launch
The Wife of the Vice-President, Mrs Samira Bawumia, who launched the document, believed that expanding access to Early Childhood Education would accelerate development.
She said such a document would also ensure that accelerated development was achieved, adding that it was a non-negotiable move and that she was committed to the education of the young Ghanaian child.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Deputy Minister designate for education, Rev. Ntim Fordjour, said the minister of education believed strongly and was committed to the pursuit of early childhood education.
He further said the policy was essential for the growth of the child as it would position them well for their primary, secondary and tertiary education to enable them to make meaningful contributions towards nation building.
Steering committee
At the function, Rev. Fordjour inaugurated a National Steering Committee for Early Childhood Education (NaSCECE) who would be responsible to offer the needed technical support for the effective implementation of the ECE Policy and to strengthen the sub-sector.
