The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has launched Youth Day Celebration at Koforidua in the Eastern Region.
The Chairman of the National Youth Committee of Ghana National Association of Teachers, Mr. Prosper Takyi has launched the 2023 /2024 at the first to climax the year’s international Youth Day commemoration on 12th August 2023.
Mr. Patrick Boison, Eastern Regional Chairman of GNAT said Youth Days gives an opportunities to celebrate and mainstream young teachers’ voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagements.
The celebration was launched with a Theme, “Empowering the Young Teachers: The Future of the Teaching Profession”
Chairman Boison has also said that GNAT has aligned many initiatives and interventions to ensure quality education that will prepare the youth for future opportunities. He added that it always good and acceptable to continue strongly equip the youth with new knowledge, skills that will enable them at selve management levels and in the association in the professional level.
Mr. Patrick Boison, it is this purpose and the GNAT is delighted to host the launch of the National Youth Day Celebration in Koforidua.
Chairman Boison further that Eastern Region has bounce with a lot of resources, it has placed interest notable among them are the Boti Falls in the Yilo Krobo Municipal, Aburi Botanical Gardens and Asinema Water Falls in Akuapem North Municipality.
The Chairman of the National Youth Committee, GNAT Mr. Prosper Takyi has said, the Ghana National Association of Teachers has developed five year strategic plans, and in the plan, is a year-mark that 2023 should be the year that will adopt the National Youth Day to be part of calender of GNAT, and therefore it is not surprising Eastern Region has hosted the launching.
“The youth is the future, the future is today, so moving forward the deception of 21st century that the future is tomorrow, it’s today. He urged the young teachers not to wait for tomorrow but make impact of the future today” he noted.
Mr. Takyi make a reference to King Henry, President Thomas Sankara, President Ibrahim Traory were Presidents in their youthful age. Age is a number and it’s classified as “Ready for Battle”. He added that surprisingly Ghana Constitution limited the age of the Presidency to 40 years. It is believe youthful age is when the brain is active and strong for a task.
He said GNAT as the apex body will continue to take up the challenge of affecting policy in the areas of teaching and learning for betterment of the Young Teachers of the country.
The International Youth Day is a global annual event endorsed by the United Nations and celebrated on 12th August to underscore the immense contributions of young.
“Mr. Takyi, the Ghana National Association of Teachers will endeavour to keep hope alive within the Young Teachers Profession space and participate in this years global celebration of the youth in teaching in a remarkable manner” he said.
Dr. Linus Linnacus Tannor, guest speaker has said the Young Teachers should be circumspect in dealing with the challenges that would arise to ensure that the policy goes hand-in-hand with the provision of quality education.
He said it is believes government and other stakeholders have an obligation to provide decent working conditions, safe and healthy working environment and continuous professional development. “GNAT is therefore looking forward to hearing Government outline its policy for teacher motivation.
Dr. Linus said teaching is a rewarding but challenging profession that requires constant learning and improvement. As a new young teacher, you may feel overwhelmed by the expectations and responsibilities of your role. That’s why professional development is essential for your success and well-being.
He said the professional development is acquiring new skills, knowledge, and competencies that can help youth teacher to improve on teaching practice and career. It can also help connect with other teachers, share experiences, and learn from each other.
Professional development can take many forms, such as workshops, courses, mentoring, coaching, peer observation, online learning, and more. The key is to find the type of professional development that suits your needs, interests, and goals in the teaching profession.
Professional development is not only good for you, but it’ll also significantly impact your students’ learning and development.
As a young teacher, you should embrace professional development as an opportunity to grow and thrive. It is not a sign of weakness or inadequacy but of professionalism and dedication. Investing in your learning and development can make you a more effective and fulfilled teacher.
He added that the world changes, teachers, students, and school leaders face new challenges and opportunities yearly. Teachers spend time developing new skills to meet the challenges they face throughout their careers.
Professional development can assist other new and seasoned teachers in honing the skills necessary to feel confident in the classroom.
By facilitating career-long learning, effective professional development helps shape your profession.
Source:mybrytfmonline.com/Andy Cole
