Technical schools urged to collaborate with indigenous craftsmen

Saboba (NR), Oct. 29, GNA - Dr. Yakubu Seidu Peligah, Principal of the Tamale Polytechnic, has asked tutors and students of technical institutions to adopt innovative ways to develop their artwork. He also called for closer collaboration between these institutions and local industries in craftsmanship by exchanging skills to modernise artefacts for future development of the crafts industry in the country Dr. Peligah was delivering a paper at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Saboba St. Joseph's Technical Institute (SABTECH) at Saboba at the weekend.

The celebration was on the theme: "40 years of Technical/Vocational Education at St. Joseph's Technical School, the way forward - Challenges and prospects."

Dr Peligah said there were various ways that Polytechnic and Technical institutions could collaborate with indigenous craftsmen and women to research, document and transmit unique skills to develop the human resource base of the country.

He said some of the things the institutions could do for themselves were repairing their own vehicles and manufacturing furniture for schools, as well as constructing structures meant for government instead of awarding such contracts to private contractors.

He cited an example where the Tamale Polytechnic entered into an agreement with the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for funds, which Mechanical Engineering students used in their practical work to repair four of the broken down vehicles of the Polytechnic.

He commended the students and management of SABTECH and urged them not to relent in their efforts to develop the school.

Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Northern Regional Minister in a speech read on his behalf, pledged the support of the GETFund to build a multi-purpose dormitory block for the students.

Mr. Asumah Namoro Sanda, Saboba/Cheriponi District Chief Executive (DCE), called on the school authorities to devote about 30 minutes of class hours to teach peace so that the message of peace could spread to all corners of the district.

He expressed concern about the devastating effects of the floods in the district and called on students to help construct durable houses for the residents, which would withstand heavy rains.

Mr. Sanda appealed to teachers in the district to work harder to ensure the success of the new education reform.

Mr. Godfred Axolu, Principal of the Institute, said graduates of SABTECH were contributing a lot in wiring houses both in Saboba and neighbouring Togo and expressed the hope that if proper attention was given to the school it could do more. He appealed for a 16-unit classroom block to meet the increasing enrolment and a bus to facilitate the field practical work of the students to enhance academic work in the school. Deserving students and staff received prizes.