Challenges of the Ghanaian Rural Parents in educating their children

It is important to note that many Ghanaian rural parents do their best to ensure their children receive a quality education. However, they face some challenges that may hinder their efforts to promote equity in education for their children. One of the main challenges that rural parents face is prioritizing education over other things, for which they usually blame poverty. For instance, rural parents will not see the need to sell a cow, sheep, or any other property to support a child's education. Such a parent would blame poverty while they have the needed resources. This example notwithstanding, many rural families need help to make ends meet, and this can limit their ability to provide the resources required for their children's education, such as textbooks, uniforms, and school fees. It can also result in children working to support their families, which can interfere with their ability to attend school regularly. A week ago, I was discussing with a former colleague helping identify out-of-school children and prepare them back to school. He mentioned that some children in Galamsey communities earned five hundred Ghana cedis daily. We even joked that they earned much more than he did. As a result of Galamsey, it is increasingly becoming difficult to get children in Galamsey communities to go to school.

Another challenge is more access to quality education in rural areas. Many rural schools lack essential resources, such as textbooks, teaching aids, and qualified teachers, which can limit their children's ability to learn and perform well academically. Last year, whilst leading the piloting of a project for world education in the northern region, I administered questions of the national standard test for grade four in grade six. The outcome could have been better. I briefly discussed this with one of the Deputy Directors; this was his response. ''The questions are set using the required standard in schools in Accra and other urban areas. However, the standard in rural schools is entirely different. While most students in rural schools cannot even read the questions or comprehend what they have read, the reverse is true for urban areas'’.?

Additionally, some rural areas need more infrastructure, such as roads and transportation, making it difficult for children to attend school regularly. Another challenge is the need for more awareness among some rural parents about the importance of education. Some parents may not see the value of education, especially for girls, and may prioritize other activities, such as farming or household chores. The government and other stakeholders should invest in rural education, including providing adequate school resources and improving infrastructure.

Our new role as development workers in rural Ghana

There is a need for extensive sensitization in rural Ghana to link education to agriculture and business and to promote the idea that education is not only about white-collar jobs but also about entrepreneurship and self-employment. One of the challenges facing Ghana's education system is emphasising traditional academic subjects at the expense of vocational and technical subjects. There is a need for extensive sensitization campaigns to promote the idea that education is not only about academic subjects but also about developing skills that can enable students to start their businesses or work in the agriculture sector. It could include initiatives such as entrepreneurship training programs, vocational and technical education, and apprenticeship programs. In addition, there is a need to promote the idea that agriculture and business are viable career paths for students and that they can provide opportunities for economic growth and development. It could include initiatives such as mentorship programs, business incubators, and agricultural extension services. Overall, there is a need for a paradigm shift in Ghana's education system, away from the traditional emphasis on academic subjects and towards a more holistic approach that includes vocational and technical subjects, entrepreneurship training, and a focus on agriculture and business. Through extensive sensitization campaigns and innovative educational programs, Ghana can help prepare its young people for the job market and self-employment and promote equitable economic growth and development.

It is important to note that the idea that a university education is only valuable if it leads to a white-collar job is a misconception. While many graduates do go on to work in professional fields, there are many other opportunities for graduates to apply their skills and knowledge, such as in entrepreneurship, agriculture, and other industries. Furthermore, the idea that a graduate's inability to secure a white-collar job means that their siblings should not pursue higher education is misguided. Education is a valuable asset that can provide opportunities for personal growth, social mobility, and economic development, regardless of whether it leads to a specific type of job. Rural Ghanaian parents need to understand that education is a long-term investment in their children's future and that the benefits of education extend far beyond the job market. Education can provide knowledge and skills that can be applied in a variety of settings and can help individuals develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are valuable in any field.

Furthermore, education can also have positive social and economic effects on communities, as educated individuals are more likely to contribute to the development of their communities and to participate in civic life. Overall, it is essential to promote the idea that education is a valuable investment in the future and can provide opportunities for personal growth, social mobility, and economic development, regardless of whether it leads to a specific type of job. By encouraging parents to see the value of education beyond the job market, we can help ensure that every child in Ghana has access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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