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16.07.2004 Education

C'wealth Of Learning to assist technical education

16.07.2004 LISTEN
By GNA

Accra, July 16, GNA - The Commonwealth Of Learning (COL) has pledged to support the University College of Education Winneba (UCEW) to run a degree programme in technical and vocational education at its Kumasi Campus.

Mr Joshua Mallet, Education Specialist responsible for Literacy and Livelihoods, announced this when he paid a courtesy call on Vice President Aliu Mahama at the Castle, Osu and presented a letter from his Chief Executive, for President Kufuor.

The institution, under its Literacy and Livelihood Programme, would also support Ghana in the establishment of Open Schools, Colleges and Polytechnics.

Additionally, it would provide technical training and financial assistance to individuals and non-governmental organisations interested in recycling plastic waste.

Vice President Mahama lauded the assistance programme, saying the Government considered education as a catalyst for development, adding that Distance Education and Open Universities were priorities for improving literacy and providing skills.

Consequently, the Vice President said, significant investments were being made in the provision of infrastructure, teacher education and learning facilities.

Mr Mallet, a Ghanaian, who assumed office in the Vancouver-based institution in March, said Ghana had a high credibility in Canada and the efforts at maintaining peace and stability, achieving sound economic growth and good governance were being monitored and appreciated.

"At a recent meeting hosted by the Canadian International Development Agency, Ghana was singled out for commendation as a country on track towards socio-economic development," he said.

He said efforts were underway to use about 15 publications on teacher education written by Ghanaians for the COL's programmes, adding that this would boost the image of Ghanaian intellectuals.

Professor Alex Kwapong, Chairman of the Council of State, who was instrumental in the establishment of COL, said Ghana was now well-placed to establish open universities, adding that efforts would be made to ensure that its products enjoy the same credibility as those from regular universities.

COL, the only Commonwealth institution located outside the United Kingdom, assists member countries to take full advantage of open, distance and technology-mediated learning strategies to provide increased and equitable access to education and training. Sir John Daniel is the Chief Executive.

Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State Responsible for Tertiary Education, was at the meeting.

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