Sandpiper: May - July 2020

SANDP I PER | JULY 2020 7 Catholic Mission teaches future teachers for rural Ghana online using an app provided by the school. Small scale work has been allowed to continue whilst the project manager ensures that social distancing rules are applied. COVID-19 has not altered the delivery dates for the project and all objectives are still on track to being achieved. The College will provide a platform for greater education in the North of Ghana and will continue to strive towards achieving its ambition of providing young, aspiring teachers with the best training in the best facilities in Northern Ghana. Last December, 172 students graduated with a diploma. This year the College has been given accreditation by the government to be able to grant bachelor’s degrees. This means students must study for four years, instead of the previous three. This has been a massive boost for the College and Dr Erasmus, principal of St AS all of us in Victoria face the renewed struggles of managing the COVID-19 crisis, Catholics across the Diocese of Sandhurst generously take steps to remember this issue unites us all across the globe. Just as restrictions of movement cause inconvenience and financial strain on our families, there are challenges in so many of places where Catholic Mission is present and working for local Churches. In Northern Ghana, St Vincent’s College of Education strives to become one of Ghana’s national leaders in training effective teachers for disadvantaged rural schools. St Vincent’s will provide teacher trainee students with greater access to accommodation and modern facilities. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, all students are studying via distance, Vincent’s and project manager, believes that this accreditation will only attract more students in the future. Sirina is studying in her first year: “I am learning a lot and am currently studying for for my end-of-semester exams. My hope is that the skills I gain at the College will allow me to have a successful career in education in the North of Ghana. I believe that the level of teaching is of a very high standard and the new facilities will enhance the overall educational experience of the College.” By Kevin Meese, Director Catholic Mission Victoria/Tasmania Angelina is from the upper west region of Ghana and is in her first year of study: “the accommodation at the new girls’ dorm will make it easier for students who must travel from other regions to study at the College. I am excited I can now receive a bachelor’s degree instead of a diploma, because this will increase my chances of employment for when I finish studying.” Catholic Mission’s partnership with St Vincent College of Education has the following objectives: • to provide education to 340 teacher trainees for disadvantaged rural schools in Yendi and Northern Ghana; • to build an 800+ capacity assembly hall/ auditorium complex; • to build a 50+ capacity hostel for girls and • to build a 250+ capacity classroom block. Catholic Mission donations enable this important work to continue, even with the present challenges, and further information can be gained from Kevin Meese, Diocesan Director of Catholic Mission on 0411 256 112. Dr Erasmus, principal, with students Inusah Sirina Akudgu (left) and An-nyerema Angelina (right). Photo: Catholic Mission.