Parents urged to permit their children undertake multilingual studies

Rev Dr Lawrence Tetteh, Founder and President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach has urged parents to create and promote opportunities for their children to study different languages in their formative years.

He said children endowed with multilingual skills and knowledge possess greater advantage in various fields of human endeavor.

He gave the advice at the 8th Speech, Prize and Graduation ceremony of North Hills International School at North Legon, Accra.

It was on the theme: “ Shaping the future, language and competence “.

The event saw 86 students graduating comprising Kindergarten two, year six and year nine.

According to him, it would have come at a greater socioeconomic advantage if majority of Ghanaians could speak French, adding that, this was justified by the fact that our neighboring countries were French- Speaking countries who speak English language in addition to their native French language.

He said his 15 multilingual status has come in handy easing his craft and advancing interpersonal and business relations with a wide range of people in various junctures of life, adding that, possession of multilingual status breaks social and economic barriers while paving way for smooth transactions of all kind.

He commended the school for introducing Chinese language as part of the language studies on the school’s curriculum. He said the Chinese continue to make pervasive development inroads on the global scene, forming a strong basis to learn their language.

In an address, the guest speaker for the occasion, Professor Anthony Owusu- Ansah , Chief Executive Officer, Lands Commission said in today’s rapidly evolving world, success is no longer measured by what we know but by how effectively we communicate our ideas to others.

“ A child who communicates confidently and effectively possess a greater advantage in every sphere of life”, he said.

Professor Owusu-Ansah further explained that “ the ability to express ideas clearly and effectively opens doors to endless opportunities”.

According to him, in an increasingly inter- connected world, effective communication has become one of the most valuable skills any individual could possess.

He said as a nation, our greatest resource is not found beneath the earth or within the natural environment, adding that, our greatest resource is our people.

The quality of our nation’s future, he said, would largely depend on the quality of education we provide and the skills we impart to these young ones.

He encouraged the students not only to excel academically but also to become confident communicators.

He admonished the learners, “develop your language skills, build your competence, embrace technology responsibly and demonstrate integrity in all that you do”.

He commended the collaborative effort of teachers and parents towards advancing the interest of learners.

“ If we equip our children with strong communication, critical thinking abilities, technological awareness, creativity and confidence, we would create a generation capable of driving national development and competing on the global stage”, he stressed.

In a welcome address, Adu Boateng , the General Manager of the school reminded students that education is not only about gaining knowledge but developing character.

“ The world you are entering now is filled with opportunities but it is equally filled with challenges that require wisdom, discernment and self – discipline “, she said.

She mentioned that, one of the greatest challenges facing young people today was the influence of social media.

“ While technology provides valuable opportunities for learning, communication and innovation, it can also present significant dangers when used irresponsibly “, she noted.

She therefore admonished graduating students to be mindful of the content they consume, the information they share and the digital footprint they create.

Boateng cautioned them to avoid the temptation to measure their worth by online popularity or seek validation through social media platforms.

The school, she said, remains committed to providing a holistic education that prepares pupils not only for examination but also for life, adding that, one remarkable area of growth is the introduction of Chinese language to the curriculum.

A major success, she revealed, has been the successful completion of the digitization agenda two years ahead of schedule.

“ Every classroom is now fitted with projectors, desktop computers and interactive digital boards ensuring students benefit from modern technology – driven education “, she stated.

The school awarded fifty percent scholarship on tuition for the academic year for students who excelled exceptionally, an initiative designed to motivate academic excellence.

Madam Bertha Boamah Benin, the administrator of the school, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the over 30 sponsors of the annual event while calling on them not to relent in their efforts to partner the school achieve its enduring vision.

She said the schools doors were opened to other well – meaning organizations wishing to partner the school to achieve its lofty ambitions.

Awarding teachers for their outstanding efforts, the overall best teacher Collins Siaw Darko received an amount of GHC10,000.

The Chairman for the occasion, Sadiq Kambala commended the school for the profound investment in education, urging stakeholders to sustain the partnership to help achieve its vision towards nation- building.