The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of COA Research and Manufacturing Company Ltd., Prof. Samuel Ato Duncan says the pursuit of academic excellence often results in neglecting other crucial aspects that contribute to a student’s overall development.
He said while there is pressure from teachers to compel students to perform academically well, parents on the other hand hold their children to high expectations and peers also add to the pressure.
As such, he said the well-being of students should be of utmost importance to any academic institution.
“It is a fact that our ability to overcome challenges in life and the rules is to develop resilience. However, in an environment where young people, such as those in senior high schools are exposed to challenges beyond their capabilities, their development is hampered. It is therefore imperative that as an institution, we create the kind of environment that will enable students to assess relevant information or help without stress “he said.
Prof. Ato Duncan spoke at the 186th Anniversary and Speech and prize-giving day of Wesley Girls’ High School in Cape Coast which was under the theme: students’ well-being in a changing educational landscape, the role of stakeholders.
To him, teachers form an integral part of the educational process and must be empowered to be able to identify students who have serious challenges to help address them appropriately.
He, therefore, said there should be training for staff to equip them to support the holistic well-being of students.
“Let’s agree, however, that parents and guardians need to think about how they can support the initiatives of the various schools where their wards belong. As parents, it is our responsibility to provide for our children’s upkeep at all times. Let us, therefore, begin to identify areas where we can provide and support so that together, the welfare of our children can be enhanced” he continued.
The headmistress, Mrs. Mary Kay Oppong-Ankomah stated that the school has not relented in its efforts to achieve excellence in both favourable and challenging times.
She said staff and the governing board of the school place a high premium on the academic achievements of the students.
She however said success in the school is not automatic as many think.
“I crave your indulgence take this opportunity to entreat parents of continuing students and prospective ones to disabuse their minds of the notion that success in Wesley Girls High School is automatic, it certainly does not come on a silver platter”
Mrs. Mary Kay emphasized that as the school’s focus for the year 2023 is stakeholder prioritization of students’ well-being, it should be a key concern for all stakeholders to place the students at the center of all decision-making processes and activities.
The anniversary ceremony held on February 11 saw students, and past students as well as staff of the school and dignitaries clad in their colourful Kente and green, yellow, and white apparel and enthusiastically engaged in all activities to mark the 186th Anniversary of the Wesley Girls High School Ceremony.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
