Home Economics teachers across the country are advised to upgrade their knowledge of technology to best fit in the fourth industrial revolution.

The Volta Regional Director of Education, Francis Agbemadi said teachers would play crucial roles in the yet-to-be-introduced Secondary Education Curriculum and hence must be well positioned for the task.

He among other stakeholders made the call during the 43rd Biannual General Meeting of the Ghana Home Economics Association held in Ho.

“As home economics teachers, you are expected to play a crucial role in this curriculum transition by integrating technology into your lesson delivery. You are expected to guide students to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the digital world”, he said.

He further indicated that the new curriculum would focus on embedding the needed essentials and skills into learners to prepare them for “academic progression, the world of work, and responsible adulthood”.

The immediate past Director of the Institute of Research of the University of Health and Allied, Prof Margaret Gyapong who transcended from the field of Home Science to Natural Science used her story as a case study for members of the association.

She chronicled how she took advantage of opportunities during the early days of her professional life to delve into the field of natural sciences and made herself relevant to date.

She, therefore, entreated teachers of Home Economics not to demean their capabilities but to make use of the digital space to advance their professions.

“I know that McGill University, and Cornell University, do Masters, PhD in Home Economics, in nutrition, register with those universities.

"Follow them on Instagram, they have scholarships, they have opportunities and pick them up as they come. Be strategic in how to use the digital space. It can make you and it can unmake you”, she stressed.

The Dean of Student Affairs at the Ho Technical University, Dr. Elizabeth Obinim advocated for the provision of learning tools for students to better understand their lessons.

She reminded the teachers of the vulnerability of the digital space and urged them to emphasize lessons on data privacy and online safety, as prescribed by the curriculum.

“We must teach our students not only to use digital tools, but how to use them safely and responsibly to their individual goals”, she said.

The Acting President of GHEA, Kutum Comfort Madah acknowledged the challenges of the association and entreated members to contribute their quota towards uplifting it.

“Words can not describe the challenges of the present times. It would take great sacrifices, unflinching support, and fearless commitment to put the association strategically above the ordinary level where its name will be written in gold”, she said.

The Volta Regional Chairperson of GHEA, Yvonne Ame Bruce advised members of GHEA to put their hands to the wheel in overcoming challenges in the enahcing Home Economics education.

She said “As we move forward, let us bear in mind our collective wisdom and experience are our greatest treasure.

"Together, we can overcome any obstacle that makes a lasting impact on the future of Home Economics education in Ghana”.

The Ghana Home Economics Association climaxed the meeting with the launch of its 60th anniversary and the presentation of books to the Afadzato South District.