Prof. John Gatsi, the Dean of the University of Cape Coast School of Business has called on the government to ensure the reduction in inequality in virtual education in the wake of the spread of the Coronavirus amid the reopening of schools.
The educationist was speaking at the launch of the 68th-anniversary celebrations of Keta Secondary Technical School (Ketasco) at a short virtual ceremony organized on the theme Covid-19 and second cycle education in Ghana: issues and prospects.
According to Prof. Gatsi, information sharing and continuous education on Covid is key to avoid further spread among students.
He explained that while virtual engagement is appropriate, the country did not make the required investment in the virtual infrastructure to support quality delivery.
The lawyer noted that while online and hybrid models are welcome they result in deeper Inequity of access due to many factors such as unfair internet connections across the country. He also highlighted the cost of data and the use of inappropriate tools such as phones with batteries that cannot stand a long period of virtual engagement whiles advising the government to target a reduction in access Inequity.
Prof. Gatsi hoped this year’s theme will generate the required debate to ensure better Covid management in schools.
He also advised second cycle authorities not to forget to disinfect buses used by students on daily basis to ensure an environment with appropriate Covid protocol adherence.
In delivering his speech, Prof. John Gatsi also used the opportunity to thank the leadership of the association and observed that in the past the themes of the celebrations dwell on matters of national interest and generated public discussions. He said the issue of PTAs participation in schools was highlighted in the past with the conclusion that PTAs are key stakeholders that cannot be decimated in school management.
Prof. Gatsi declared the 68th anniversary duly launched whiles reminding past students of even greater need for their support to the schools by providing PPEs, hygiene support and demanding assurances from school management about the kind of Covid management environment created to timely determine the support needed by the schools for which the association can be of help.
Prof. Gatsi concluded that the real investment in students now is to support an environment that prevents Covid spread and closed Inequity gap.
By: Efo Korsi Senyo / awakenewsroom.com