Catholic Education Goes Beyond Academic Excellence – Says Head of Catholic Schools in Ghana

In a message to launch this year’s Catholic Education Week Celebration, the General Manager of Catholic Schools in Ghana, Madam Araba Ahima Bentum says Catholic Education rooted in the love of Christ goes beyond academic excellence but to nurture the whole person fostering intellectual, spiritual and moral growth. According to her education is not merely acquisition of knowledge and skills but a journey of self-discovery, a process of shaping individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. The theme for the 2024 week-long celebrations of Catholic Education Week launched on Sunday, January 28, 2024 in Catholic Churches with Schools is “Building a Community Based on Education and Innovation, the Role of Stakeholders.” The Catholic Education Week Celebration is an annual event for Catholic Basic and Secondary Schools which usually starts in the last Sunday in January and end on first week of February. The Week which is a national celebration of Catholic education is an opportunity to recognize the importance, the value, and the contributions of Catholic education to the Church and the world. Madam Bentum pointed out that this year’s theme resonates deeply with the core values of the Catholic Faith and the mission of Educational Institutions, saying “in today’s rapidly changing world, innovation was not a luxury but a necessity.” She added, “We must embrace new ideas, methodologies to equip our learners with 21st century skills and adaptability they need to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.” “Catholic Schools with our rich heritage and commitment to excellence, are uniquely positioned to lead the way in educational innovation,” she stated, noting that by integrating faith and innovation, “we can create learning environment that inspire creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.” According to madam Bentum, building a community based on education and innovation requires a collective effort, stressing, “It demands the dedication of our educators and active involvement of our learners. She noted that together, “we can foster a community where learning is a life long journey, where innovation is embraced and where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential.” “As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the words of Pope Francis who reminds us that education is the key to human and social development ‘Through education, we can build a community that is compassionate, just and sustainable, a community that reflects the values of our faith and the aspirations of our society,’” she concluded. On his part, Rev. Fr. John Yaw Amankwah, President of the Conference of Managers of catholic Education Unit (COMCEU) said educating children is a shared responsibility of government, parents, teachers, opinion leaders and educatees, who have a crucial role to play. “The world is changing very fast and to keep pace with with global trend in terms of ways of doing things to achieve maximum results, demands adjustments,” he stated, appealing to various players in education delivery to take clue from the changing world. Education, he noted, must focus on the whole child-social, emotional, mental, physical and cognitive development of the child which at the end of the day must have positive impact on the community. The Education Week as an annual event, is commemorated in Catholic Schools with a series of week-long activities nationally. On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the launching took place during Holy Masses in Parishes and launched either by the Heads, Local Managers or a Catechist. On Monday, the pupils and students are expected to embark on a march pass with placards through some principal streets of the town the Schools are located with Christian or Catholic songs. Local Managers are expected to celebrate Masses on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 with the Pupils and students and after, give a talk about St. Thomas Aquinas Day and the need to celebrate him as Patron Saint for all students and the role of Catholic Church in Education. Wednesday, January 31, 2023 is career or traditional day and pupils and students are expected to dress in their future career costumes to school or dressed in traditional attire to School while on Thursday February 1, 2024, games or quizzes are to be organised and participated by all pupils and students. On Friday, February 2, 2024, a durbar is to be organised which is aimed at focusing on responsibilities of stakeholders in Catholic Schools. At this durbar, stakeholders of Catholic Education are expected to be invited including Local Managers, Priests, Education Committee, Religious Men and Women, members of the School management Committees, Parent-Teacher Associations, Old students, traditional leaders, Assembly members and other Church members. Also at these durbars, Local Managers are expected to use the opportunity to form old students associations for the schools. A thanksgiving Mass in a Catholic Church to be attended by pupils and students climaxes the week-long celebration on Sunday, February 4, 2024 By Damian Avevor