The exchange pupils and headteachers of the University Basic Schools with the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Kwamina Duncan

IEPA Hosts UNESCO Capacity Workshop

The Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) is hosting a three-day capacity workshop organised by the Ghana National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

The workshop which is sponsored by the Asian Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) is aimed at enhancing knowledge and understanding of civic education officers and teacher educators of UNESCO Associated Schools in Ghana as well as other partner Institutions on the concept of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) with a view to achieving SDG 4.7 of the Education 2030 Agenda. It is also to create awareness and increase collaborative working for Asian Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and UNESCO in the African region.

As part of the process to be recognised as a UNESCO Category II institution, IEPA is hosting and participating in the ongoing Capacity Building Workshop  on GCED.

In the Vice-Chancellor’s welcome address, which was read by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George K. T. Oduro, he expressed gratitude to the Ghana National Commission for UNESCO and its Associates for organising workshop which aimed at developing the capacity of Ghanaian educator towards the concept of Global Citizenship Education as articulated in the Sustainable Development Goal 4.7.1. He also said “We are happy to support this programme because the IEPA is in the process and hoping to become a UNESCO Category II Institute, a move which will transform the IEPA to become a Regional Centre of Excellence in Educational Leadership.”

On behalf of the Minister for Education, Mrs. Ama Serwah Nerquaye Tetteh, National Commissioner for UNESCO, thanked (APCEIU) for its initiative which sought to help build the capacity of Ghanaian Educators particularly Civic Educators and those within the UNESCO Club and UNESCO Associated Schools (ASPNET) family for taking part in the workshop. She also commended staff of IEPA and indicated that the Ministry has seen the need for the Institute to participate and host the workshop. “Though IEPA is in process of being designated a UNESCO Category II Centre of Excellence for Educational Leadership in our Sub Regions, our plan is that, the Institute as a Category Centre II will lead training of the Educational Administrators Planners and Managers in GCED our region,” she noted.

Mrs. Tetteh said it was the hope of the Ministry to explore future collaboration with the APCEIU towards the transfer of knowledge and expertise on the subject of GCED. She expressed gratitude to APCEIU for sponsoring the workshop and congratulated IEPA for its immense contribution and support. The Ghana National Commission for UNESCO and the National Commission for Civic Education were also commended for their collaboration, which has made the event duly possible.

Among the dignitaries were the Chairman of NCCE, Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, Assistant Specialist APCEIU, Ms. Soohyun Lim (Kathy), and Prof. Yaw Amankwaa and the Director of IEPA, Dr. Michael Amakyi. Also present were other directors, resource persons, heads of departments, and educators.