Dated November 29, the Teacher Unions in Ghana have jointly written a letter appealing to Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director General of the Ghana Education Service.
The letter urgently requests a reconsideration of the reopening date for Form 1 students in the upcoming 2023/24 academic year. The concerns outlined include the close proximity of placement and reopening dates, along with the limited time available for the Christmas break.
The Teacher Unions express worry regarding the current Senior High Schools’ reopening schedule, specifically for Form 1 students. Although the placement process for first-year students began on November 28, it is still ongoing. The announced reporting date of December 4 presents practical challenges, closely following the placement process.
The unions argue that the tight timeline between placement and reopening poses difficulties for both students and staff. They find it impractical to have Form 1 students report on December 4, only to send them home again on December 21 for the Christmas break. This, they assert, places an undue burden on students, staff, and parents alike.
The vacation period, spanning from December 21 to January 2, 2024, is criticized as insufficient to provide meaningful rest for teaching and non-teaching staff. The unions emphasize the importance of allowing an adequate break for rejuvenation, considering the demanding nature of their roles and the need for a balance between work and rest.
In light of these concerns, the Teacher Unions earnestly call on the Management of the Ghana Education Service to reconsider the current schedule. They advocate for a thoughtful reassessment of the placement and reopening dates to address the practical challenges faced by students, staff, and parents.
The unions stress the importance of creating a schedule that not only ensures a smooth transition for students but also allows sufficient time for rest during the festive season. The hope is that this plea will prompt thoughtful consideration from the Ghana Education Service, fostering a positive and supportive educational environment for all stakeholders involved.
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