Overview of the Visit
In a bid to strengthen teaching and learning across Ghana, Deputy Minister of Education Dr Clement Abas Apaak recently hosted a high-profile visit to the New Gbawe Cluster of Schools. The delegation, led by the Jacobs Foundation Board and its Chief Executive, arrived on site to assess how classrooms function, identify gaps, and explore opportunities for collaboration that could elevate educational outcomes for students in the cluster.
The tour occurred last Wednesday and brought together government officials, foundation representatives, and local school leaders. The New Gbawe Cluster, known for its diverse student body and active community involvement, was chosen as a focal point to understand how international partnerships can align with Ghana’s national education priorities.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary aim of the visit was to evaluate the effectiveness of current teaching and learning practices within the cluster and to discuss strategies for systemic improvements. The Jacobs Foundation, renowned for supporting quality education globally, sought to understand the on-the-ground realities faced by teachers, principals, and students. Key discussion points included resource allocation, teacher professional development, student engagement, and the integration of technology in the classroom where feasible.
Dr Apaak highlighted the importance of evidence-based approaches that translate into measurable gains in student performance. He emphasized that the partnership with the Jacobs Foundation should complement Ghana’s ongoing reforms, including teacher training initiatives and curricula updates designed to meet the needs of the 21st-century learner.
What Was Observed on the Ground
During the walkthrough of several schools within the cluster, visitors observed classrooms in session, noted student participation levels, and spoke with teachers about the challenges they face. The delegation also reviewed school infrastructure, including classroom seating, lighting, and basic learning materials. These observations provided crucial context for potential capacity-building efforts and resource mobilization.
Early learnings from the visit suggest that while some schools in the cluster have robust community support and active student clubs, there remains a need for enhanced instructional materials, more consistent coaching for teachers, and reinforced systems to monitor progress. The discussions underscored a shared commitment by the government and the Jacobs Foundation to address these gaps without compromising the local context and school autonomy.
Implications for Policy and Practice
The collaboration is poised to influence policy direction by prioritizing scalable interventions that have demonstrated impact elsewhere in Africa and beyond. Potential outcomes include targeted professional development programs for teachers, improved access to learning resources, and strengthened partnerships with local communities and parent-teacher associations. The aim is not only to uplift the New Gbawe Cluster but to create model practices that can be replicated in similar districts nationwide.
The Deputy Minister reiterated the government’s openness to strategic investment from international partners, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in all funded activities. By aligning Jacobs Foundation activities with Ghana’s educational targets, the partnership seeks to deliver sustainable improvements in teaching quality, student literacy, and learning outcomes across the cluster.
Looking Ahead
As discussions move from observation to action, both the Ministry of Education and the Jacobs Foundation are expected to formalize a framework for collaboration. The partnership is likely to include monitoring and evaluation plans, teacher training cascades, and pilot projects that could be scaled if proven effective. For students in the New Gbawe Cluster, the visit marks a promising step toward enhanced learning environments, modern teaching resources, and renewed teacher support.
About the Parties
The Jacobs Foundation is a Swiss-based nonprofit organization focusing on education and child development, with a history of supporting evidence-based initiatives that improve learning outcomes. Dr Clement Abas Apaak serves as Deputy Minister of Education in Ghana, where his leadership emphasizes evidence-driven policy and inclusive education for all learners.
