Educate Africa Institute (EAI) is advising the government to consider employing the services of school social workers to help reduce challenges like poor performance, absenteeism, disarray in tertiary institutions, indiscipline, etc facing our education system. This advice when considered would also facilitate schools to achieve academic excellence.

International communities like the USA, Finland, and Canada are benefiting from the services of these professionals.

School social workers play a crucial role in promoting academic excellence by addressing social, emotional, and behavioral factors that can impact students’ learning. They can provide:

  1. Counseling Services: Offering individual or group counseling to students facing emotional or behavioral challenges, thus improving their mental well-being and academic focus.
  2. Family Support: Collaborating with families to create a supportive home environment, fostering positive relationships between parents and teachers.
  3. Behavioral Interventions: Implementing strategies to address behavioral issues, promoting a positive school climate, and minimizing disruptions in the learning environment.
  4. Crisis Intervention: Responding to and managing crises or emergencies that may affect students’ ability to concentrate on their studies.
  5. Collaboration with Teachers: Working closely with educators to identify and address social and emotional barriers to learning, facilitating a more inclusive and effective teaching environment.
  6. Advocacy for Resources: Advocating for resources and programs that support the overall well-being of students, including mental health services and extracurricular activities.
  7. Preventive Programs: Developing and implementing programs aimed at preventing bullying, substance abuse, and other issues that can negatively impact academic performance.
  8. Attendance Support: Addressing attendance issues and identifying underlying factors that may contribute to chronic absenteeism.

EAI suggested this because by focusing on these aspects, school social workers contribute much to creating a supportive and conducive learning environment, ultimately enhancing academic excellence.

We would be very glad if the current education minister, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum scored this goal before his tenure ends. Ghana would become a model for other African countries.

We are one people. Ghana first.

Signed
William Boadi
Executive Director of Educate Africa Institute (EAI), Educationist, Political analyst, and Social worker.
+233541935106.

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