Yinson Ghana, in collaboration with the Ahanta West Directorate of Education, has organised the second Phonics Training Programme for 170 teachers at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.
The week-long training equipped the teachers with skills to enable the little school children to pronounce words very well and to enjoy reading.
The teachers, were selected from kindergarten and lower primary classes across 98 schools in the municipality. About 97 percent of the teachers who attended the training were females.
Ms. Samelia Bawuah, an author and a writer with over 60 books to her credit, was the resource person for the programme. “Phonics is all about sounds and blending of words that enable children in their formative years to read, write and be able to pronounce words,” said, Ms. Bawuah.
She indicated that each child has a unique way of understanding, stating: “Use the alphabet to teach them, let them know the sound. We have those who get it fast and others who gradually pick what you teach”.
According to her, the foundation of every child is very important. “Get them involved, no child should be left behind and it is very imperative for you to have patience to enable them grasp whatever you teach them.”
“The training session was very fun, active and interactive. The teachers wished it would never end. The learner should see, hear, smell and feel the enthusiasm to make a difference in the life of a child they have been entrusted with,” said Ms. Bawuah.
Mr. Aloysius Boadi, a representative of the Ahanta West Director of Education, said providing the teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge is essential for the holistic development of the students.
“Phonics is one such crucial aspect that lays the foundation for effective reading and language skills,” he added.
Edward Mensah, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator at Yinson Ghana, explained: “The phonics training is the second edition to be held in the municipality. The 10 teachers who benefitted from the first training programme gave us good feedback and so we decided to carry out the programme for many teachers across the entire municipality”. The programme, he said, is in line with Yinson’s mission of promoting quality education and effective learning.
“Much as this programme is meant to impact the children, it will also place enormous value on you as teachers,” Mr. Mensah added.
Madam Juliet Ewuradjowa Abraham, a teacher at Ewusiejoe M/A Basic ‘A’, said: “The phonic training, will enable me to teach the students in the pronunciation of words. I have learnt the names of the alphabets and their sounds. The sound helps us to blend words and pronounce them. This will enable the teachers to impact the children in learning the English language.
