The Bureau of Integrated Rural Development (BIRD) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), has inaugurated six Advisory Committee Members (ADCMs) to steer a project aimed at exploring the impact of culturally responsive teaching practices on students’ social and emotional development in diverse early childhood classrooms across Ghana. The project seeks to design curriculum materials and teaching resources that reflect the cultural backgrounds of minority ethnic groups, particularly in early-grade classrooms.
It will also focus on creating pedagogical techniques rooted in cultural norms, enhancing teacher capacity in equitable early learning, and producing scalable professional development modules for nationwide use. Chairman of the ADCMs, Prof. George Kankam, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, describing it as vital for preserving Ghana’s cultural heritage within the education system.
He emphasized the need to integrate indigenous pedagogies to improve educational outcomes for marginalized groups. Prof. Kankam stated, “Throwing away our culture, from adults to the younger generation, is deeply troubling.
This research is a clarion call, especially as it starts at the foundational stages of learning. To me, this project feels like a divine and timely intervention for our nation.”
The initiative aims to address challenges faced by non-Akan ethnic groups, whose cultural strengths are often overlooked in the classroom. The lack of culturally responsive training for teachers has led to disengagement among students, affecting their self-efficacy and school adjustment.
This project will develop and evaluate interventions designed to enhance teacher practices and support the social and emotional development of diverse learners in early childhood settings. At the induction ceremony, Provost of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, commended the committee and expressed optimism about the project’s potential.
He assured the team of the university’s full support in ensuring a successful implementation. Director of BIRD, Dr. Monica Addison, echoed this confidence, highlighting the importance of the Advisory Committee’s role in guiding the project to success.
She emphasized the collaboration between the university and GES as crucial to its progress. The Advisory Committee members, along with senior BIRD officials, later held discussions with the Vice-Chancellor to review the project’s next steps and ensure a smooth path forward.