The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS), and the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the capabilities of teachers and school administrators within the private education sector.

As a leading institution in Ghana's educational landscape, UEW is renowned for its role in teacher training, research, and policy development.

Complementing this, GNACOPS serves as the administrative body for private pre-tertiary education, advocating for private schools, addressing regulatory issues, and fostering innovation.

The partnership, formalised by GNACOPS' National Executive Director, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, and UEW's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, is aimed at establishing a robust framework for professional development and capacity building among private school educators and administrators.

Key Objectives and Programme Offerings

The MoU sets the stage for various educational programmes, including certificate, diploma, degree, and master's programmes in basic education.

These offerings are tailored to improve teaching methodologies, educational outcomes, and leadership skills within the private education sector. Programmes will be delivered through face-to-face learning, sandwich learning (intensive sessions during school breaks), distance learning (online and correspondence) and training centres across the country, ensuring easy access for participants.

Additionally, the partnership will focus on enhancing school management and leadership through specialised programmes for school owners and administrators.

These will cover strategic planning and management, financial management and sustainability, human resource management and development, quality assurance and improvement, educational leadership and governance, registration and accessibility.

Registration for these programmes will commence in July, with courses starting in August.

To ensure broad participation, financial sponsorships and subsidised fees will be available for GNACOPS members, making these programmes more affordable and accessible.

Ensuring Compliance and Quality Education

This partnership is also crucial for regulatory compliance. Currently, a significant number of private school employees lack formal training, which is a requirement set by the National Training Council and the National Schools Inspectorate Authority.

By providing these training programmes, GNACOPS and UEW are ensuring that private schools meet the necessary standards, thus avoiding potential sanctions and guaranteeing quality basic education for students.