The Ghana Education Service has begun piloting the new Senior High School curriculum in 33 schools across the country.
The curriculum, among others, is integrated with climate change and forestry and green economy issues to promote environmental studies for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The Education Strategic Plan (ESP, 2018-2030) informed the development of the National Pre-Tertiary Education Curriculum Framework and National Pre-Tertiary Learning Assessment Framework, which collectively guided writing of the new SHS, SHTS and STEM curriculum.
Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Eric Nkansah, says general implementation after the piloting will commence at all schools beginning in the 2024/2025 academic year.
“Your excellency, the Senior High School curriculum review has also been
completed and is currently being piloted in some 33 schools across the country. Again, the new SHS curriculum is very well integrated with climate change and green economy issues,” he said.
He added that “We are confident that through these integrations, our
students will develop a deeper interest in climate change and green economy issues and practices, ultimately impacting our planet positively.”
A survey conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) indicates that 95 of primary and secondary teachers recognize the importance of teaching climate change, yet only 30% feel prepared to do so.
Wife of the Vice President and chair of the Africa Women and Children Conference, Hajia Samira Bawumia made a strong case for immediate steps to close the knowledge gap in Climate Studies.
According to her, “By planting trees today, we are not only contributing to the restoration of our forests, but also educating our youth on the importance of environmental conservation.
“Education is the bedrock of our efforts, and this gap highlights the urgent need for initiatives like ASCA that aim to equip students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values for environmental protection,” she explained.
Other speakers at the event to commemorate Green Ghana Day, and outdoor the African students for climate action initiative, a students-based initiative to promote climate change, emphasized the need to protect Ghana’s forest reserves and environment.
The Minister for Environment, Science and Innovation, Ophelia Hayford, reiterated her Ministry’s commitment to policies that promote environmental safety.
The dignitaries planted trees at the Labone Senior High School garden, to commemorate the 2024 edition of the Green Ghana Day.
By Grace Hamoah Asare
