St. Louis College of Education in Kumasi has held its 20th Annual Congregation for 581 newly trained teachers constituting the 2023/2024 batch of graduates, the second to complete under the new affiliation with University of Education, Winneba UEW.
The Congregation was under the theme; “Enhancing Students’ Emotional Intelligence, Mental, Health, and Psychosocial Wellbeing: The Role of the Basic School Teacher”.
The Principal of the College, Mrs. Monica Konnie Mensah, disclosed that the celebration marks the academic success of the graduates, as well as the collective effort that has brought the college to this milestone.
She acknowledged the enormous contribution of the College’s Governing Council, Management Team, Academic Board, Central Planning Committee, Staff and Continuing Students for their tireless commitment, guidance and cooperation, stressing that their dedication has been the foundation upon which the graduating class has been built.
The Principal disclosed that their “perseverance, resilience and grace” have brought them this far, noting that they are the true testament of hardwork and determination.
She advised them that their empowerment must not only be an end, but also a bold beginning as their journey continues into the future.
She expressed the College’s appreciation to the Director of Institute for Teacher Education and Continuing Professional Development (ITECPD) and his team, and the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW for their invaluable mentorship and support, stressing that their guidance played a key role in helping the College reach an extraordinary milestone.
The Principal urged graduating students to remember to uphold the College’s hallmark of discipline, reverence for God, hard work and dedication, wherever they find themselves in the future, as well as guiding their path.
Ms. Bernice Owusu Tano was adjudged the Overall Best Student (with 3.89 GPA) while 221 students received First Class Honours, with 282 students receiving Second Class Upper, 69 had Second Class Lower and 8 passes.
Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, UEW disclosed that the achievement of the graduating class marks the culmination of four years of hardwork, sacrifice and determination, which spurred them on to take a step into the next phase of their lives.
Prof. Danso-Wiredu disclosed that the graduands have the responsibility not only to themselves, but also to the nation as a whole, urging them to be innovative in their approach to issues, critical in thinking and ethical in their actions, as well as being compassionate in all endeavours.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Francis Oppong, Ashanti Regional Health Psychiatrist disclosed that the world was changing rapidly, with children growing in environment full of academic pressure, broken homes, social media influence, peer pressure, trauma and abuse, noting that it is no surprise that pupils struggle not only to learn, but even to cook.
Dr. Oppong disclosed that a teacher was more than someone who teaches reading and writing, but is a “mentor, role model and a hero”, noting that the everyday action of a teacher encourages pupil.
He stressed that teachers must listen not hearing, encourage co-operatio, praise purpose and progress, understand pupil, identify pupils “quiet cry” as well as plan the emotional strength, self-esteem and healthy social behaviour” in the lives of each pupil, which depicts how powerful teachers are in the lives of children.
The Regional Health Psychiatrist urged graduands to be abreast of the seven guiding principles as they enter their various classrooms; teach with the heart, be observant; thus changes in behaviour are often silent battles, create an environment where every child feel safe, respected and included.
Dr. Oppong urged basic school teachers to embrace their powerful role, not just as educators of minds, but as “nurturers of souls”, emphasising that empowering emotional intelligence protects pupils’ mental health as well as guiding their psychosocial growth, not only to prepare them(pupils) for examination, but for life.
He advised graduands to teach with “compassion, creativity and courage”, stressing that they(graduands) should make their classrooms, spaces of “hope and healing.”
Richard Ofori Agyemang-Boadi, the Mayor of Kumasi who deputised for the Ashanti Regional Minister assured the College of government’s readiness to provide whatever is required for the development of education in the country as well as the College’s growth and transformation, emphasising government’s commitment in delivering the utmost best.
The Mayor revealed that teacher education was key to the development aspiration and vision of President John Dramani Mahama, stressing that the country will only develop with a “requisite manpower and capacity” in all aspect of endeavours.
The Mayor advised the graduands to take care ofpupilsthat would be placed under their care physically, mentally and spiritually.
The Mayor disclosed that as government begins the path to reset the country in all sphere, the nation as a whole must build the next generation to be responsive to the needs and aspiration of the development goals of Ghana, which begins with teachers.
From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi
