Sekondi College marks 72nd Speech, Prize-giving Day
The Sekondi College (SEKCO) has marked its 72nd Speech and Prize-giving Day by rewarding hard work and excellence in its resolve to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to churn out critical thinking and problem-solving scholars to spearhead national development.
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Speaking on the theme, "Repositioning Senior High School For Greater Prospect: Prioritizing STEM Education", the Director of the Hydrocarbon Laboratory at the Environmental Protection Agency,( EPA), Dr Lawrence Akoto, said the economy of the modern world was knowledge-based, science and technology driven and lauded SEKCO for the lead role.
He said Ghana was facing a skills gap in relation to STEM, hence the need to bridge the gap by making STEM education enjoyable through the provision of the needed resources and materials, including well-equipped laboratories, improved teaching methods and the needed funds.
Promotion
Dr Akoto called for the promotion of STEM education in the early stages and commended the school for its sterling performance in the Inter-Regional Science and Maths Quiz competition to qualify for the national contest in Kumasi.
The headmistress of the school, Guddy A.A. Kermah, said the school continued to make giant strides in academic excellence and extra curricular activities through disciplined, honest, law-abiding and humble students.
She disclosed that the school had embarked upon an agrarian revolution with acres of farmlands in coconut plantation, maize, pineapple, cucumber, plantain and cabbage to augment feeding of students, which had also turned the fortunes of the school around.
Tribute
The Western Regional Director of Education, Madam Felicia Agyeibia Okine, in a speech read on her behalf, paid glowing tribute to the school for its immense role and contributions to good quality education delivery in the Western Region.
She said the Education Directorate recognised academic interventions by the school such as Read A Page A Day, Pick As You Go and AGRIC Time as these were making significant impact on the school.
The National President of the Sekondi College Old Students Association (SEKCOSA), Adwoa Dako, disclosed that the association had so far realised an amount of GH¢500,000 in contributions from some old students towards the refurbishment of the three Science laboratory blocks in the school.
Appeal
She appealed to old students of the school to go beyond socialisation and contribute meaningfully to the development of the school.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors and former Western Regional Director of Education, Rebecca Efiba Dadzie, paid tribute to the founder and first headmaster of SEKCO, J.W. Acquah, for the pioneering role he played by starting the school at Ekuase in Sekondi before moving to its current location at Essipon.
Head Prefect of SEKCO, Master Simon Yaw Prempeh, said discipline had improved tremendously and lauded efforts by the headmistress for her sterling leadership style.
The Paramount Chief of the Upper Dixcove Traditional Area, Obrempong Hima Dekyi XIV, who chaired the function, said it was time to revolutionise the mindset of people, especially the youth by embracing STEM education to employ what nature had endowed Ghana with to solve problems in society such as galamsey, food insecurity and spillage of the Akosombo Dam. — GNA
