Teachers in Ghana Oppose Ark Schools

Teachers in Ghana are rejecting plans for a philanthropic organisation to enhance private education in Ghana, according to a study.

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A new study throws more light on the uncertainties behind such a philanthropic gesture in Ghana to promote its private education system.

Education International (EI) is launching its most recent study today at the Institute of Education of University College London. It focuses on the activities of the UK charity program Absolute Return for Kids (Ark). The aim of the charity program is to promote the privatization of education in the UK and abroad.

Academicians, Antonio Olmedo and Carolina Junemann, both advocates and beneficiaries of certain education reforms, undertook inquiries which raises concern over the conflicting nature of the philanthropic organisation’s interest.

Teachers in Ghana have to realize that the involvement of Ark in a controversial privatization program in Liberia was controversial and wouldn’t want a repetition in their country. A study had hinted of the increasing role that such so-called philanthropic organisations are assuming in different nations, evading the scrutiny and integrity to which public authorities are subjected.

The expected project has already been criticised by teachers in Ghana, who are opposing it on the grounds that it will privatise, commercialise and change the economic values public education in the country.

General Secretary of EI, David Edwards, has constructively questioned the exportation of pro-privatisation policies. He demanded that after the assessing the foundation of school model advanced by Ark, it is critical for organisations exporting such policies to deal with criticisms they produce locally before moving them abroad.

President of the Education International African Regional Committee, Christian Addai-Poku, has remarked that these associations don’t come to Africa for charitable purposes. With little respect for both neighbourhood settings and partners, they try to force privatization plans by bringing extensive budgetary and political impact to hold up under upon governments in Africa.

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Posted: March 21, 2019, | Category: International News
Source: TheEI