King Oyanka Inaugurates West African Chapter of Montessori Model Of The UN
The West African branch of Montessori Education has been launched in Accra with a call on parents to prioritize their wards education over material things.
The launch was colourfully graced by some prominent traditional leaders from the Greater Accra, Central and Eastern regions as well as representatives from various Nongovernmental Organizations, Civil Society groups, the academia and some renowned media personalities.
In his inaugural address, the newly elected Minister for Montessori Education in West Africa, Nii Anumle Ayittey Oyanka I, said, Montessori education, born from the visionary insight of Dr. Maria Montessori, represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and approach learning at its core to champion the belief that every child is an eager and capable learner, naturally curious and deserving of an educational environment that nurtures their individual talents and abilities.
Nii Anumle Ayittey, known as King Oyanka I who doubles as the King of Oblieman in the Ga West Municipalitiy of Greater Accra explained that, Montessori approach is not simply about academics but encompasses a holistic development of a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Through meticulously designed materials and a child-centric curriculum, he said, Montessori fosters independence, critical thinking, creativity and a lifelong love for learning.
Explaining his vision for the Montessori community, King Oyanka said, ‘I am committed to ensuring that Montessori principles are integrated into our educational policies across West Africa. We will collaborate with educators, schools and policymakers to initiate teacher training programs; establish Montessori-inspired learning centers and incorporate elements of this methodology into existing educational frameworks.’ “My immediate vision is to create inclusive learning environments that will support diverse learning styles and abilities.”
According to him, the main objective is to empower African educators with the necessary tools, training, and resources to implement Montessori principles effectively.
This approach, he noted, will not only enhance academic excellence but also cultivate essential life skills, ethical values and a sense of global citizenship among our youth.
King Oyanka therefore called on parents to grab the opportunity to enroll their children in the institution to carve brighter future for their wards. He urged all parents to prioritize education of their children over material things as a good education, he said, is the best investment to make in the lives of their children.
The Minister inducted eight (8) Council Members into office to collectively contribute to the effective functioning, growth and sustainability of the institution; ensuring it meets its objectives while upholding its values and standards. They included Timothy Badzi Kwabla, Dickson Boadi, Micheal Anaman, Nana Kwabena Boateng, Development Chief of New Koforidua, Mawuli Tamakloe, Witty Adusu-Ahorlu, Jara Iddrissu Abubakar and Emmanuel Adu Acheampong.
Their responsibilities includes Policy Development: They contribute to creating and revising institutional policies and guidelines that align with the institution’s mission and vision.
Governance Oversight: Council members oversee the institution’s governance structure, ensuring compliance with regulations, ethical standards, and legal obligations.
Strategic Planning: They participate in developing long-term strategic plans, setting goals, and defining the direction of the institution.
Financial Oversight: Council members monitor the institution’s financial health, approve budgets, and ensure appropriate financial management practices.
Decision Making: They participate in critical decision-making processes, including major investments, expansions, or changes in organizational structure.
Advocacy and Representation: Council members may act as ambassadors for the institution, representing its interests to external stakeholders, partners, and the public.
Evaluation and Accountability: They assess the institution’s performance, evaluate the effectiveness of programs or initiatives, and hold leadership accountable.
Support and Guidance: Council members offer support and guidance to the institution’s leadership, providing expertise, advice, and mentorship when needed.