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Beyond Academics: Kofi A. Tawiah Foundation provides character education training to educators

In a world where academic achievement often takes centre stage, a growing appreciation for character education is gradually unfolding in Ghana’s classrooms. This transformative process seeks to redefine the very fabric of Ghana’s education, nurturing good character values in students and staff, and potentially breeding a new generation of transformed citizens.

To reaffirm its commitment to character education in Ghana, the Kofi A. Tawiah Foundation recently hosted the 2024 edition of its annual character education Training programme at Ho in the Volta Region.  The comprehensive 3-day training seminar brought together institutions, educators and school leaders from selected schools across the Volta, Oti, Eastern and Bono East Regions of Ghana.

The training programme forms part of the onboarding process for schools that actively seek to become partner schools and promote character education in their schools. Its main aim was to provide participants with the relevant knowledge, skills, and resources needed to successfully implement character education initiatives in their schools. This year, a total of about 65 educators benefited from the training program.

The training was delivered by Mr. Kent Fahrenbruck, a seasoned consultant with Strata Leadership (USA) with decades of experience in leading Character Education sessions around the world. The insightful training delved into several topics including character and competence, developing good character, changing the culture, character-based corrections among others. Additionally, the schools were also provided with some practical implementation approaches for integrating Character Education into their schools’ culture. Educators from Mummy’s Darl Educational Centre and Humpty Dumpty School (all in Kumasi), who were part of the pioneer schools also shared their inspiring journey on the programme with the participants.

The training also included a dynamic panel discussion featuring experts from various fields, such as education leaders, NGO representatives, and specialists in character education. The panel delved into the role of character education in shaping future generations, discussed persistent challenges faced by schools, and emphasized the importance of customizing programmes to address behavioural issues in the classroom.

Mr. Fahrenbruck, the trainer, emphasized the need for schools and educators to be intentional in building a school culture which thrives on character development of both the staff and students. He believes that good character is the foundation upon which all other activities are built.

Speaking after the training programme, Mr. Kennet Kpornor, the current Volta Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) expressed his delight about the potential national benefits of the character education programme in schools. To him, the activities of the Kofi A. Tawiah Foundation is an outstanding initiative that complements the efforts of the NCCE in raising good citizens in Ghana.

Many participants after the programme also shared their excitement about the insights they learned from the programme. Mr. Charles Annor-Frempong, the director of Charles Wesley Academy Foundation (Koforidua) on behalf of the participants thanked the foundation for bringing this opportunity to schools to build good character.

In conclusion, the Kofi A. Tawiah Foundation’s commitment to providing character education training to educators in Ghana is a laudable endeavour with far-reaching national benefits. By empowering educators to incorporate character education into their teaching practices, the foundation is sowing the seeds for positive societal change. Through this initiative, the foundation is not only shaping the future of Ghana but also laying the groundwork for more compassionate, principled, and responsible citizens.