Free SHS Secretariat Engages Stakeholders In Bono East On The Need To Prioritize Science

The Free Senior High School Secretariat recently organized a crucial stakeholder engagement event in Bono East to advance the “Operation Double Science Enrolment” initiative. Held on October 2, 2024, at Techiman Senior High School.

The program was attended by various education stakeholders, including the Regional Director of Education, the Headmaster and Assistant Headmasters of Techiman SHS, the Regional STEM Coordinator, headteachers, science teachers from selected circuits in the region, and officers from the Ghana Education Service (GES) Science headquarters.

The event focused on raising awareness about the importance of increasing science enrolment among students and the transformative role science education plays in national development.

The program began with the Regional Director of Education outlining the strategic vision of the initiative. He emphasized the widening development gap between nations, highlighting science education as key to bridging that divide.

“Our goal with ‘Operation Double Science Enrolment’ is to transform teaching and learning environments in schools, making science more accessible and engaging for students. We must equip the next generation with the skills they need to drive national progress,” he stated.

Key strategies discussed included awareness campaigns through the media, the development of over 300 new science laboratories, and the introduction of virtual laboratories by the Centre for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS). These efforts aim to increase science enrolment from 12% to 25% nationwide.

The Headmaster of Techiman Senior High School, the host of the event, welcomed participants and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing a scientific mindset among students. He commended the initiative for its alignment with the school’s dedication to academic excellence and urged educators, parents, and students to embrace the program.

The Regional STEM Coordinator also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for a significant increase in science enrolment to meet the demands of the modern workforce. “This initiative is not just about boosting enrolment but about demystifying science education, making it accessible and exciting for all students,” he noted.

He called on all stakeholders—teachers, parents, and community leaders—to work together to create an enabling environment for students, ensuring the success of the initiative and the long-term transformation of science education in the region.

The interactive session saw stakeholders share their perspectives and offer support for the program. The Ministry of Education and the Free SHS Secretariat plan to extend similar engagements to other regions, laying a solid foundation for science education across the nation.