Sr. Benedicta Uzokwe of the Handmaids of Holy Child of Jesus (HHCJ) Congregation and the headmistress of the Sacred Heart Senior High School at Nsoatre in the Sunyani Diocese, has stated that stakeholder engagement and collaboration are essential for achieving integral development and building a resilient and inclusive Ghana.
She, therefore, called for collaborations between stakeholders of education in the Catholic Church and within the education sector of the Country.
In a presentation made at the 2nd National Catholic Education Forum in Koforidua, she stated “Both the Church and the State believe that education should help people grow in knowledge and become good citizens who can help develop the country.”
The theme for the 2nd National Catholic Education Forum is: “Catholic Education for Integral Development: Shaping a Resilient and an Inclusive Ghana.”
Speaking on the Sub-topic: Stakeholder Engagement and Collaborations on day four of the five-Forum on March 13, 2025, Sr. Nzokwe said the two bodies (Church and State) agree that learning should not only give students skills but also teach them good values.
This shared goal, she indicated, is written in the Church’s Declaration for Christian Education, Gravissimum Educationis, and Ghana’s Education Act 2020.
Sr. Nzokwe stated that stakeholder engagement in education refers to the process of involving individuals and groups who have interest in the development of education and in the educational outcomes of learners.
Stakeholder engagement and collaboration are critical components of effective educational systems worldwide.
“In Ghana, the Catholic education sector plays a significant role in providing quality education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The Catholic Church operates numerous schools at the pre-tertiary and tertiary levels contributing to the nation’s educational landscape,” she noted.
Noting some the problems schools were facing, such as poor learning outcomes, cheating in exams, and disrespect for teachers, she urged the Church to call for teamwork as it is needed to solve these issues.
Sr. Uzokwe urged all stakeholders (parents, teachers, school leaders, government officials, and community leaders) to come together to find new ways to help students do well and grow into responsible adults.
“The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference plays an important role in this effort. They guide Catholic schools to follow the values of the Church. They also work with the government to reach national education goals”.
She, therefore, encouraged Church leaders to visit schools more often and support teacher training, recommending to educators to help students in many areas of life.
Sr. Uzokwe urged stakeholders to support academic learning, emotional and social growth, moral and ethical values, and even physical development. By serving as role models, they teach values like honesty, respect, and fairness. Educators should help the students build self-confidence and learn how to handle challenges.
She said students were also seen as key stakeholders in education and she encouraged them to take active roles in their learning and personal development.
“The Catholic Church believes that parents play an important role in their children’s education,” she said, adding that Pope Francis has said that “strong partnerships between families and schools are the key to good education.”
The Handmaids of Holy Child Jesus Sister urged parents to support their children by providing guidance, teaching good values, and helping them grow emotionally and spiritually.
“When parents work closely with schools, students are more likely to succeed in both their studies and personal lives,” she stated.
Sr. Uzokwe, beckoned on former students, or alumni to support Catholic schools, encouraging theme that they could help by mentoring current students, offering career advice, and making financial contributions to improve school facilities.
“The sense of belonging reflects the Catholic value of community and helps strengthen Catholic education for future generations.”
According to her, local community leaders and civil society organizations (CSOs) also play an important role, saying, they help schools connect with their communities and promote enrolment.
She noted that CSOs provide resources, training, and support programs that improve learning and help students grow and by working together, parents, alumni, community leaders, and CSOs would help Catholic schools provide quality education and raise responsible, caring citizens for Ghana.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
