Nana Kofi Ankra IV Urges Parents to Encourage Children to Pursue Technical and Vocational Education

Nana Kofi Ankra IV Urges Parents to Encourage Children to Pursue Technical and Vocational Education

Nana Kofi Ankra IV, Dwantuahene of the Sefwi Anhwiaso Traditional Council, has urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to consider technical and vocational education as a pathway to acquiring practical skills and becoming self-reliant.

He made the call when speaking to the media on behalf of the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, following the presentation of teaching and learning materials and other items to the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipal Education Directorate.

Nana Kofi Ankra IV, who is also an education advocate, said technical and vocational education should not be regarded as an alternative only for students who do not perform well academically.

According to him, technical and vocational institutions provide young people with practical skills that can help them establish their own businesses and create employment opportunities for themselves and others.

He encouraged parents to support their children who show interest in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, welding, auto mechanics, fashion and design, catering, construction, agriculture and other vocational disciplines.

The traditional leader explained that one of the major advantages of technical and vocational education is that students can acquire employable skills while receiving formal education.

He noted that after completing their training, graduates can use the skills acquired to start their own businesses instead of depending entirely on their parents or waiting for government employment.

“When you complete your technical or vocational education, you can use the skills you have acquired to establish your own work and become independent. You do not necessarily have to wait for someone to employ you before you can earn a living,” Nana Kofi Ankra IV stated.

He therefore appealed to parents to change the perception that technical and vocational education is inferior to traditional academic education.

Nana Kofi Ankra IV stressed that Ghana needs skilled workers to support the country's development and that promoting technical and vocational education could help address youth unemployment while providing industries with the skilled manpower they require.

He further urged parents to identify the talents and interests of their children and guide them towards educational programmes that match their abilities and aspirations.

He said education should not only prepare young people to seek jobs but should also equip them with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to create opportunities for themselves.

Nana Kofi Ankra IV also called on the government, traditional authorities, private organisations and other stakeholders to continue investing in technical and vocational institutions by providing modern equipment, workshops and other teaching and learning resources.

He said improving facilities in technical and vocational schools would encourage more young people to enrol and ensure that students receive practical training that meets the demands of the modern job market.

The call forms part of broader efforts to encourage young people in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality and beyond to explore diverse educational pathways and acquire skills that can contribute to their personal development and the socio-economic development of their communities.

Source:Bibianinews.com