Computer-based selection process, great idea but...

Huni-Valley (W/R), March 27, GNA - Dr Toni Aubynn, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Huni-Valley Secondary School, has described the computer-based selection process as a great idea particularly for the deprived schools but can only be a temporary redress.

In his view, equity and choice could be achieved if there were equitable endowment resources in all the secondary schools. Dr Aubynn said this at the 30th anniversary, Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration of the school at Huni-Valley on Saturday. The anniversary was themed: "Computer-based selection process, the challenges of a deprived Secondary school".

Dr Aubynn said, "The inequitable endowment of teaching and learning resources in our secondary schools has in the past been the bane of the chequered and cumbersome admission process which has necessitated the introduction of computerized selection process".

He said the introduction of the computer-based selection process from JSS to SSS has rather exciting public debate. Dr Aubynn said the proponents of this idea argue strongly that this selection method promotes equity for all stakeholders while the critics on the other hand argue that the method takes away the fundamental opportunity for parents and pupils to choose which secondary school they want to attend.

He said computer selection process could pose a major challenge to the amenities and facilities of less endowed schools if consistent efforts are not made to seriously address the situation of these schools.

Mr Alex Amponsah, the first Senior Prefect of the School and the President of HUNIVASS Old Students Association (HOSA) said HOSA would install and develop communication programmes in the school. On behalf of the HOSA, he donated 20 million cedis and three desktop computers to the school.

Nana Enimil Kunmah IV, Chief of Huni-Valley and of BOSOMTWE Division of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area in a short history, mentioned Dr Anthony Kwasi Appiah whose influence got the school captured in the 19974/75 government budget for an 18-unit two storey classroom, one storey science laboratory and one storey girls dormitory. He expressed regret that no family head was ready to release plots of land for the construction work to start and therefore used his position to site the school at where it is. However, he said, this resulted in a court action and he won the case and the construction work began.