By Bless Zoshe
Buea, Cameroon
The principal of the Government Technical High School, GTHS Molyko, Buea, has reiterated that contrary to popular opinion, technical education is not a dumping ground for slow learners, but rather, a life wire for the development of every nation.
Mr. Mafanny Paul Mbesa was speaking on the occasion of the annual Open Day organized on Friday March 15, in his institution. The Open Day took place on the heels of the Regional launching, held in Kumba on March 14, and was presided over by the Divisional Delegate of Secondary Education for Fako, Mrs. Ikundi Helen Njomo.
Mafanny Paul Mbesa, Principal GTHS Molyko
While conceding that technical and vocational training are a sure gateway towards job creation and poverty alleviation, the principal said this year’s theme, “Mirror for the Professionalization of Education” is a pointer to the need to overhaul the educational system in Cameroon, to meet up with the pedagogic competence based approach, as well as a way forward for the country in its vision of becoming an emerging economy by the year 2035.
Cross section of pupils & students at Open Day
“In the past, technical education and vocational training used to be considered dumping grounds for slow learners. Today, the concept has changed. The demands and challenges of the job market require that young people be equipped with the right skills for good job creation and employment opportunities, in order to contribute to nation building,” Mafanny said.
Delegate Ikundi testing surveys equipment at Building Construction Workshop
It is within this framework, the principal continued, that Friday’s Open Day was intended to sensitize the public on the practical realities of technical education, showcase the works of their students, as well as stimulate interest and creativity in the minds of primary school pupils, who were also invited to the event.
However, the principal cited insufficient classroom infrastructure, inadequate equipment, and the need for more
Delegate Ikundi appreciating arts at Wood Work Dep't
trainers in certain trades, as major challenges for students to effectively participate in their practical sessions. Mafanny’s address was followed by a presentation of the departments and trades, offered in the school by students. The event also featured choral, and traditional animation, and the launching of the GTHS Campus Newsletter.
Speaking to some students across the board, they all sounded confident and hopeful that they would conveniently integrate into the job market, upon completion of their various courses.
In her response, the Divisional Delegate of Secondary Education encouraged the students to be disciplined, while reminding teachers, counselors and parents of the important role they all have to play in shaping the future of their children. She beseeched parents to equip their children with basic tools and textbooks, and keep permanent contact with school authorities, to monitor, and boost the performances of their children.
“Am very impressed with all what I saw in the different workshops. I am also happy that primary school pupils were invited to see what their elder brothers and sisters can produce. I will like to encourage parents to second their children to technical schools because contrary to popular opinion, these students have shown proof that they are hardworking, creative, and intelligent,” Ikundi said.
Regarding the challenges faced in GTHS Molyko, the Divisional Delegate said ‘government is doing its best to encourage Technical Education. However, aware of the setbacks, your complaints will be channeled to appropriate quarters.’
GTHS Molyko offers ten trades, some of which included Construction, Wood Work, Plumbing, Electrical Technology, Clothing Industry, Home Economics, Accounting, and Marketing.
