Everything you need to know about Communities of Excellence Program as a GES teacher

0 2 minutes read

Everything you need to know about Communities of Excellence Programme as a GES teacher

The Communities of Excellence Program (CEP) is a groundbreaking initiative by Ghana’s Ministry of Education aimed at establishing highly literate communities across the country. With ambitious goals such as achieving grade proficiency in literacy and numeracy for 90% of Primary 4 learners, increasing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) pass rates, and boosting transition rates to tertiary institutions, the CEP is set to redefine education delivery and outcomes in Ghana.

Key Objectives and Impact

The CEP envisions a Ghana where learners transition seamlessly through various levels of education and actively contribute to the socio-economic transformation of their communities. By improving educational outcomes, the program aspires to create a robust network of literate and empowered communities nationwide.

Selection and Coverage

The selection of participating districts, communities, and schools followed a thorough application process through the Ministry of Education. Initial implementation covers 40 districts, 332 communities, and 700 schools, chosen based on results from the National Standardized Test.

Program Duration and Sustainability

The CEP is designed to run indefinitely, providing long-term benefits to participating communities. It leverages existing structures of the Ministry of Education, community ownership, low-cost interventions, and a robust monitoring framework to ensure sustainability.

Role of Stakeholders

The CEP thrives on collaboration among parents, community leaders, teachers, students, and traditional authorities:

Parents: Actively engage in their children’s education by maintaining regular communication with schools and fostering a conducive learning environment.

Community Leaders/Traditional Authorities: Promote educational accountability through initiatives such as reading festivals and community-led activities.

Teachers: Adopt innovative teaching methods, implement a literacy-focused timetable, and utilize resources provided under the program to enhance learning outcomes.

Students: Participate in literacy-focused events like the “100 Days of Reading,” reading fairs, and competitions to boost academic performance.

Support for Schools and Districts

Participating schools receive regular in-service training for teachers, teaching and learning materials (TLMs), and resources to enhance the learning environment. At the district level, education teams are equipped to strengthen planning, monitoring, and supervision, ensuring seamless program delivery.

Everything you need to know about Communities of Excellence Program as a GES teacher

ALSO READ: GAEC Hosts Orientation for 120 Welding Apprentices as Part of National TVET Initiative

Program Interventions

The CEP integrates interventions at the school, district, and community levels, including:

School Level: Literacy assessments, resource allocation, reading competitions, and termly awards for high-performing learners.

District Level: Strengthened school monitoring, literacy interventions, and stakeholder engagement in education delivery.

Community Level: Literacy initiatives, adult learning programs, and resource mobilization for educational support.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The program is overseen by the Community Education Steering Committee, District Education Directorate, and the Ministry of Education. These bodies ensure proper implementation, monitoring, and reporting to track progress and address challenges.

Adult Literacy Component

A distinctive feature of the CEP is its focus on adult literacy. By improving literacy skills among adults, the program empowers them to actively participate in community development and educational planning.

Why CEP Stands Out

Unlike other educational interventions, the CEP fosters community-led approaches, creating a sense of ownership. It emphasizes foundational learning in literacy and numeracy while ensuring that teachers effectively deliver the curriculum.

Regional Representation

Participating districts span Ghana’s regions, including Ashanti, Eastern, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Western, and more, reflecting the program’s inclusivity and nationwide reach.

The Communities of Excellence Program represents a bold step toward achieving equitable and quality education for all Ghanaians. By bridging gaps in literacy and numeracy, empowering stakeholders, and fostering community involvement, the program is poised to transform Ghana’s education landscape for generations to come.

Implementing Agencies