Character training, an integral part of curricula- Rev. Adjepong

Tema, July 26, GNA -- The Chancellor of the Methodist University College, Very Rev. Samuel Kwasi Adjepong, has suggested that character and leadership training should be integrated into the country's educational curriculum at all levels of education to ensure that well disciplined and responsible citizens are produced for the country.

He stated that the incorporation of moral education in any educational curriculum results in ''wholesome and well-rounded products,'' adding that students and pupils should be found worthy not only in learning but also in character, in order to merit the credentials they receive dfrom the institutions.

He was speaking at the 30th Anniversary celebration and Speech and Prize giving day of the St. Paul's Methodist Primary School, in Tema, under the theme: 'Discipline, a key to excellence, the challenges ahead'.

The Reverend Minister observed that the major challenge facing educational institutions is not so much as to how to deal effectively with acts of indiscipline but how to turn out academically brilliant products who are also disciplined.

He recalled the past where discipline in the traditional set up was a collective effort of members of the community as well as neighbours and the insistence of the religious bodies on discipline and moral education in their schools and regretted that during the last three decades of the country's history, indiscipline and immoral practices in schools and the society have assumed an endemic proportions.

He mentioned insubordination, drug abuse, promiscuity, indecent language and dressing and examination malpractices, among others, as manifestations of youth indiscipline and fallen standards and charged the family, schools, churches and civil society to find more effective and sustainable ways to inculcate moral values in the youth.

Very Rev. Adjepong however, urged all Ghanaians to support the Vice President's campaign against indiscipline to ensure a smooth development of the country.

He advised students to cultivate self and group discipline and to learn hard to justify the investments made in them by their parents. The Headmaster of the school, Mr James Mensah, in his report said the school, which started with 12 pupils in 1975, now has a student population of 1,188 made of 595 boys and 593 girls with a teaching staff of 52.

On academic performance, he said the school was one of the first to establish a computer centre to enhance ICT training in the municipality adding that it has also established a cr=E8che department for toddlers. The Girls Prefect, Ms. Dorcia Chartey, mentioned lack of school bus, library, and training field for sporting activities as some of the problems confronting them.