The University of Education, Winneba, has introduced a new programme, "Post-graduate Diploma in Mentorship by distance" as part of efforts at helping to change the national needs of teacher education. Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw, the Vice-Chancellor, said this is to train professional certified mentors to spearhead the transformation of education. The pioneering students, numbering 67, were part of fresh students of basic education by distance, who matriculated on Tuesday at the Kumasi Campus, Tanoso. In all 5,688 students were admitted to pursue Diploma in Basic and Bachelor of Education courses. Professor Asabere-Ameyaw counselled them to adopt positive attitudes towards their study, reminding them that the goal of distance education was not just to help them to acquire higher certificates for enhanced salaries but to broaden their outlook and strengthen their commitment to duty. They should stay on the programme and work hard to justify the time and money invested. "Your continued stay on the programme should be a motivating factor for other teachers who are yet to decide on enrolling on the programme", he added. The Vice Chancellor appealed to the government to step up the financial support to the university to enable it to fulfil its mandate. Source: GNA