Ghana Holds Durbar to Showcase the Potential of Learning Passport to Transform Basic Education
UNICEF Ghana in partnership with CENDLOS
The Learning Passport (LP) initiative was introduced in Ghana on December 7, 2022, by the Center for National Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) in collaboration with UNICEF. This initiative began to address educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a digital learning platform for students.
To showcase the potential and impact of the LP, a grand durbar was held on June 19, 2024, at Presbyterian Boys Senior High School in Accra. The event brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Education, development partners, and educational functionaries.
The objectives of the durbar were multifold including showcasing the LP, engaging stakeholders, evaluating impact, identifying challenges and planning for sustainability.
The LP initiative was implemented as a proof of concept (POC) in three schools, involving 453 learners in Basics 1 to 3 who were engaged in Numeracy and Literacy lessons. Twenty-one teachers, school heads, and seven School Improvement and Support Officers (SISOs) were trained to support the implementation. The POC schools utilized two main models: the Classroom Projector Model and the ICT Lab Model.
During the durbar, participants were divided into groups to discuss various aspects of the LP, including its impact, challenges, and sustainability. A panel discussion featured learners, teachers, SISOs, and school heads who shared their experiences with the LP. Demonstrations included teaching lessons directly on the LP, using PowerPoint with embedded LP materials, and role-playing.
Lessons Learnt
- Enhanced Engagement: The LP significantly increased student engagement and participation in lessons.
- Teacher Empowerment: Teachers gained confidence and skills in using digital tools for instruction.
- Supportive Environment: Effective implementation requires a supportive environment, including proper training and resources.
- Challenges: Some challenges included technical issues, limited access to digital devices, and the need for continuous support and training.
- Community Involvement: Active involvement of the community and stakeholders is crucial for the success and sustainability of the LP.
The durbar successfully showcased the potential of the Learning Passport to transform basic education in Ghana. The initiative has demonstrated positive impacts on student engagement and teacher empowerment. Despite facing some challenges, the commitment of CENDLOS, the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, and UNICEF ensures the provision of necessary resources for the LP's effective implementation. With continued support and collaboration, the LP has the potential to significantly improve educational outcomes in Ghana.
