Providing Educators the Opportunity to Learn: Sakina Mahamadu’s Journey with the University for Development Studies Access Program
In the heart of northern Ghana, at Miracle Valley International School, a remarkable transformation is unfolding, thanks to the University for Development Studies (UDS) Access Program offered under the USAID-funded Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning activity, and educators eager for the opportunity to further build their teaching skills. This initiative, which provides access to foundational training courses for teachers is also profoundly impacting the lives of dedicated teachers like Sakina Mahamadu. Her journey as a student in the UDS Access program exemplifies how targeted support can enhance teaching quality and, consequently, improve student outcomes in low-fee private schools.
Before becoming a teacher, Sakina Mahamadu worked as a sales woman, dealing with carpentry supplies and renting benches. Her transition into education marked a significant career shift driven by a passion for teaching and a desire to make a difference in young minds. "Growing up, I loved sharing knowledge with others, which motivated me to apply for a teaching position," Sakina reflects.
Her journey, however, was not without challenges. As a first-time teacher at Miracle Valley International School, Sakina faced the daunting task of navigating classroom dynamics and student needs. "There are many challenges in helping young children understand what you are trying to teach them," she admits. But Sakina’s perseverance and commitment to her students have been unwavering.
UDS Access Program: Breaking Down Barriers to Teacher Training
The UDS Access Program, part of the USAID-funded Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning activity, plays a crucial role in addressing the gap in teacher training within low-fee private schools. Over 74% of 2293 teachers in schools under the activity do not have the requisite qualifications, the majority being senior high school graduates. This initiative aims to expand access to affordable and relevant teacher certification programs, ultimately enhancing the quality of education delivered in these schools. To do this, UDS set up 8 satellite sites in northern Ghana to make courses more accessible for local teachers.
The program provides a pathway for untrained teachers to advance their qualifications through a structured educational framework. It includes a foundational Access course designed for teachers who do not yet meet the criteria for diploma or degree programs and includes financial assistance for all students. . This program is pivotal in preparing educators for further studies, such as the Diploma in Basic Education or Early Childhood Education. 194 teachers from the Activity’s partner schools enrolled in the UDS Access program. Managing both teaching and studying has been challenging for Sakina, but she has navigated it effectively. "I attend my lectures on weekends and focus on my personal studies during the evenings," Sakina explains. This balance has allowed her to make the most of both her teaching and academic opportunities.
The UDS Access Program has been instrumental in Sakina's professional journey. "The program has provided financial assistance and educational opportunities that the school alone couldn’t have offered," Stephen Konlan, the headteacher at Miracle Valley International school, emphasizes. This support is crucial for teachers like Sakina, who are faced with financial barriers to furthering their education. Essentially, the program offers the opportunity for teachers to improve their grades in math, English, and Science to meet the qualification requirements for admission to the University.
As Sakina continues her studies, the potential for further positive change is significant. With ongoing support from the program, she successfully completed the Access program in foundational studies and is now enrolled in the Diploma in Basic Education program at UDS and is well-positioned to make an even greater impact at Miracle Valley International School. Her journey illustrates the profound effect that well-targeted educational interventions can have on teachers and students alike.
The UDS teacher certification Program, supported by USAID and implemented by Opportunity International through the Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning activity, is a powerful catalyst for change in low-fee private schools. By investing in teacher training and professional development, it not only enhances the skills of educators like Sakina Mahamadu but also contributes to the overall improvement of educational outcomes for children in these schools and the positive ripple effects they create within communities.
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