A total of 4,000 second-year students from some vocational and technical institutes throughout the country took part in the three-day examination dubbed: ”Foundation Test” organized by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) on pilot basis. The students were tested in Mathematics, English Language and Entrepreneurship recommended by the Professor Anamua-Mensah Committee set up in 2007. Mr John Ocran, Deputy Director Academic and Testing, National Vocational Training Institute who visited Winneba, Biriwa and Elmina examination centres in the Central Region, said it was intended to give new hope to the vocational and technical education system. He said one of the top recommendations of the committee was the introduction of mathematics, English and Entrepreneurship into the curriculum to make it more attractive to students. Mr Ocran, who is also the Test Commissioner, stated that the introduction of the new syllabus have added value to NVTI education because previously they were not examinable. He noted that now that the subjects are examinable many Junior High School (JHS) leavers could pursue vocational and technical courses to reduce the pressure on secondary schools. The Deputy Director stated that it had also paved the way for students to enter the Polytechnics or any of the tertiary institutions to pursue degree courses. Ms Jackline Appah, Center Manager of the Biriwa Vocational Training Institute, said the examination had assisted the students to prepare well towards the May/June 2009 examinations. She stated that it would help them acquire skills to establish their businesses after completing the four years courses. Mrs. Seline Adjabeng, Central Regional Coordinator of the NVTI said Information Communication and Technology (ICT) is yet to be included in the syllabus as a compulsory subject for NVTI examinations. She said the students who passed the foundation test would proceed to write certificates one and two in the third year. Mrs. Adjabeng noted that the examinations had also helped the tutors to be abreast with the new syllabus. Source: GNA