The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has welcomed the Canadian International Development Scholarships team to the Ministry of Education in Accra.

The Canadian consortium of Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, responsible for the implementation and administration of the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) programme, held its steering committee meeting in Accra on May 20 and 21.

The Association of African Universities, a strategic partner of this programme, hosted the event at its secretariat in Accra.

The Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030, which is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), BCDI 2030, aims to strengthen the social and economic development of women and men, particularly women, from eligible Francophonie and Commonwealth countries, as well as other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The eight-year, $80 million CAD programme aims to strengthen the strategies of 26 eligible partner countries to develop leaders who will influence their communities through knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote active citizenship.

In his remarks, Dr Apaak stated that the Canadian International Scholarships 2030 initiative aligns with the 2024 Manifesto of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

“I believe that the programme, as designed, including its thematic areas, project focus, and overall direction, is in line with my party’s manifesto. If you review the education section of our manifesto, particularly the parts concerning post-secondary and tertiary education, you’ll see a strong emphasis on STEM,” he said.

He further noted that the current administration is introducing STEM education at the lower levels of the educational system.

“We are placing a high premium on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) because we believe it is key to accelerating our national development and producing the kind of manpower needed in the 21st century. Unemployment is a global issue, and Ghana is no exception,” Dr. Apaak added.

For her part, Julia Scott, Vice President of Member Services at Universities Canada, explained that the Canadian International Development Scholarship programme represents 97 universities and all higher education institutions in Canada.

She noted that the organisation also represents the collective voice of college and university presidents across the country.

According to her, the Canadian International Development Scholarship initiative is involved in higher education research and provides a platform for universities to share ideas and manage scholarship programmes.

Ms. Scott added that the scholarships cover various fields, including vocational, technical, and technological education, extending up to degree-level studies at Canadian institutions.