UEW Launches New Creative Arts Center

   The University of Education, Winneba (UEW), in partnership with the non-governmental organization Right to Play, has officially launched a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing play-based learning for students and educators. Located within the School of Education and Life-Long Learning (SELLL) Block on the North Campus, the new facility is equipped with modern amenities designed to support innovative teaching methods. These include executive seating, interactive whiteboards, and a 75-inch television, all of which create a comfortable and effective environment for both teaching and learning.

The facility is designed specifically to promote play-based learning, a teaching approach that uses playful, interactive methods to engage young learners, especially in early childhood education. By utilizing this approach, the facility aims to help educators deliver lessons in a more engaging and effective manner while assisting children in better understanding and applying academic concepts. Play-based learning has been shown to improve cognitive and social development in young children, making it an essential component of modern education systems.

The opening ceremony for the facility was held recently, with Prof. Victor Antwi, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, commissioning the facility on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual. In his speech, Prof. Antwi emphasized the importance of maintaining the facility and ensuring that it serves a wide range of students and faculty members. He noted that this facility will play a key role in supporting Ghana’s educational system, as the Ghana Education Service (GES) plans to implement play-based learning in many schools by 2025. With this initiative, the facility will be crucial in preparing UEW students and lecturers to successfully integrate this method into their teaching practices.

Prof. Antwi also discussed the financial challenges faced by public universities, such as UEW, due to declining funding and limited financial resources. He pointed out the critical role of partnerships like the one with Right to Play in easing these financial pressures and helping the university continue its mission of providing high-quality education. He revealed plans to appoint a coordinator to oversee the operation and maintenance of the facility, ensuring that it remains functional and accessible for all users. Additionally, regular visits by the Dean of SELLL will be conducted to address any issues that may arise and to ensure the facility is being used effectively.

Prof. Hinneh Kusi, the Dean of SELLL, also expressed his gratitude to Right to Play for their contribution to the facility. He explained that the space has been designed to enhance play-based activities, fostering an ideal environment for students training to teach young children. Prof. Kusi highlighted the importance of this facility in developing a more interactive, creative, and engaging educational experience for both teachers and students. He also underscored the role of the technology and resources available in the facility in promoting a more effective learning environment.

Furthermore, Prof. Kusi discussed the necessity of appointing a coordinator to work closely with the Directorate of Works and Physical Development to ensure the facility’s maintenance. He assured the attendees that regular progress reports would be submitted to the office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor to ensure transparency and accountability. Prof. Kusi also emphasized the benefits of play-based learning, pointing out that it encourages children to think creatively, engage in self-directed learning, and develop important social and cognitive skills.

Mr. Kwabena Gao, an education specialist from Right to Play, spoke about the importance of the facility as a hub for training teachers and student-teachers in play-based learning methodologies. He stressed the value of the strategic partnership between Right to Play and UEW, particularly in pre-service teacher training. Mr. Gao also mentioned that additional funding from the Global Partnership for Education is helping to support the professional development of kindergarten teachers in over 10,000 schools across Ghana.

In his speech, Mr. Gao emphasized the importance of engaging parents and communities in the play-based learning process. He explained that for this teaching approach to be sustainable, it is essential that parents understand its benefits and support its integration into their children’s education. He assured that Right to Play’s support marks the beginning of a long-term effort to enhance the capacity of teachers across Ghana to deliver high-quality education.

Finally, Prof. Sakina Acquah, Head of the Department of Basic Education at UEW, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. She noted that the facility would significantly benefit children and help advance play-based education in Ghana. She assured that UEW would make every effort to ensure that students engage fully with the new learning approach while maintaining the facility to the highest standards.

This collaboration between UEW and Right to Play is expected to have a significant impact on early childhood education in Ghana. The new facility represents a major step forward in the university’s efforts to integrate modern, innovative teaching methods into its curriculum, ultimately contributing to a more dynamic and effective education system in the country.