Editorial
Promote National Science & Math Quiz to support STEM education
Since its introduction in 1993 by Primetime Limited, an education-interest advertising and public relations agency, the National Science & Math Quiz (NSMQ) has grown to be a much-anticipated and captivating yearly event that sparks students’ interest in science and mathematics.
The NMSQ aims to encourage students to study the sciences and mathematics, to think critically and with a scientific mindset about the world they live in, and to build a positive sense of healthy competition among senior high schools.
Due to the increased interest in the NSMQ from a variety of sources, including parents, tutors, current students, and alumni, the event is growing more competitive and fascinating.
Alumni are now providing their alma mater with enormous assistance in order to guarantee that participating students hone their problem-solving abilities to foster academic achievement and healthy competition.
Students are studying harder, learning effective communication skills, and working together as a team to strive for excellence and make their schools proud because of the competitive aspect of the quiz.
Their confidence and self-worth are also increasing as a result of the quiz, and this will undoubtedly have a good effect on both their general academic achievement and future employment in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The objective of the NSMQ is similar to that of STEM curriculum, which was developed to prepare students in primary and secondary schools for careers in STEM fields as well as tertiary education and college.
In addition to imparting knowledge related to the subject, STEM aims to foster critical thinking, reasoning, and collaborative skills.
Without a question, STEM fields are at the centre of technological innovation. Since these fields are crucial for social, economic, and other forms of development, young people should be inspired to pursue courses in these fields and given the tools they need to become self-sufficient.
The NSMQ competition has now motivated the youth to seek careers in STEM, which will eventually benefit the country’s growth.
The Spectator applauds Primetime Limited for this wonderful effort to support students in discovering their aptitude in science and mathematics.
In our opinion, in addition to the Ghana Education Service’s (GES’) involvement, further efforts should be made to advance the NSMQ and use it as a vital platform for fostering a promising future in STEM education.
To create a strong STEM education in Ghana and beyond, the government, academic institutions, corporate organisations and other stakeholders should consistently promote and invest in the NSMQ.
With the rapid advancement of technology, STEM knowledge is becoming increasingly important for development, and NSMQ needs to be promoted in order to support STEM education.
We would like to congratulate the Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, Achimota School, Opoku Ware Senior High School (SHS), and all other participating schools in this year’s quiz.
Editorial
Kudos to Ho Teaching Hospital staff, but …
Dear Editor,
If there is any group of professionals that get bad-mouthed the most, then you are referring to nurses and medical doctors assigned to public hospitals across the country.
For this particular letter, I want to sing the praises of this same group of professionals that work at the Ho Teaching Hospital, famously known as Trafalgar.
Despite the work load and the mass casualties received at the emergency ward of the hospital, the welcoming nature of the nurses and the professional touch by the doctors can’t be ignored. My personal experience has got me travelling from my base in Accra to seek medical services from these professionals.
Special mention has to be made of the likes of Precious of the Pharmacy Department, Dr Brandon Banor (a maxillofacial resident) of the Dental unit, male nurse Justice assigned to the female surgical ward. Words cannot really do justice to their affable, professional caring nature. A simple thank you is all that I can say.
In the same vein, I can’t but call out the bad attitude of the auxiliary staff and contractors of the hospital.
Chief among them is some of the contracted bank staff that handle the payment section of the hospital and the patient registration section (those that check the status of the patient as to whether they are fee paying patients or NHIS sponsored).
The attitude at times leaves a bad taste in the mouth. One such occurrence was a night staff of the registration section who had her legs on the office table whilst talking to patients.
The CEO of the hospital needs to shine his torch light on this support sections before they erode the awesome performance of the direct medical staff of the hospital.
Thank you for the space.
Kwesi Manu
Accra
Editorial
Develop policies to address disability concerns
Dear Editor,
AT the beginning of the year, when I went to the bank to deposit money into my uncle’s account, I observed a very sad situation where a man in a wheelchair struggled to navigate his way around the facility.
This is because the structure is disability unfriendly.
As I stood and watched how the man struggled to move his wheelchair, I felt sad and wondered if this is how the life of a disabled person should be. It becomes worse if there is no one to offer help.
In Ghana, People With Disabilities (PWDs) are often treated differently and are often subjected to all forms of discrimination.
Most of these people find themselves in such a situation as a result of unfortunate happenings such as accidents and injuries.
It is, therefore, not appropriate for anyone to discriminate against them. Discrimination against such persons take many forms, including how buildings are constructed.
Most of the public structures are not disability friendly and impede their movement.
As a country, we should consider the PWDs in designing our structures. I also think that there should be a national policy that seeks to address this issue.
I have a strong conviction that when such a policy is developed by the government, people with disabilities would feel appreciated and also promote social inclusivity.
Ray,
Kasoa
