Wiawso College of Education is a public tertiary institution sited in the Western North Region of Ghana. It is one of the thirty-six (36) teacher training institutions that are scattered across the country.
Established in 1959, it has been a vital source in providing quality education to trainee teachers in the region and beyond. The college started as a training center for teachers, with only twenty (20) students taking part in the first intake.
The college was then known as Wiawso Teacher Training Centre. In 1961, it was renamed to become St. John Bosco’s Training College as a way to signify its affiliation with the Catholic Church and its support towards its establishment.
Mission and Vision
Wiawso College of Education’s mission is to provide teacher education that will promote professionalism, academic excellence, and moral values among students while effectively preparing them for their future roles as educators. The college’s vision is to be recognized as an outstanding institution committed to producing high-quality teachers who will be agents of change and development in their respective communities.
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The college has consistently lived up to its mission by providing quality education through its various academic programs, internship opportunities, extracurricular activities, and student support services aimed at ensuring that students’ educational experience is not just limited to the four walls of a classroom but extends beyond them.
A Transformative Institution
Over the years, Wiawso College of Education has undergone several transformations both structurally and academically. In 2004, it became one of Ghana’s Comprehensive Senior High Schools following government directives on secondary education reforms. However, due to challenges faced by many colleges at that time which were converted into Senior High Schools/Technical Institutes and later reverted back into Colleges due to lack or inadequate infrastructure amongst other problems; Wiawso College of Education was fortunate to have been re-established as a College of Education in 2012 through the untiring efforts of the then Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Ambrose Dery.
Today, Wiawso College of Education stands tall and proud as one of the leading institutions in teacher education in Ghana. Its strong commitment to providing quality education to students has made it an attractive destination for prospective teacher-trainees who seek to make a difference in their communities.
Location and Surroundings
Wiawso College of Education is located in the Western North Region of Ghana in the town of Sefwi-Wiawso. The college is situated on a sprawling campus that covers an area of 150 acres.
The campus is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene environment for students to study, learn, and grow. The town of Sefwi-Wiawso itself has a population of over 20,000 people and offers a range of amenities for students.
There are several grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance of the college. In addition, there are several banks and ATM machines located nearby for student convenience.
Campus Facilities
Wiawso College of Education boasts state-of-the-art facilities to support its academic programs. The classrooms are equipped with modern teaching aids such as smartboards and projectors to facilitate interactive learning. The college library is stocked with over 10,000 books covering various disciplines including education, social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
In addition to academic facilities, the campus also offers recreational amenities for students to unwind after class. The college has sports facilities including a soccer field, volleyball court, and basketball court as well as indoor games such as table tennis.
Student Organizations and Clubs
At Wiawso College of Education Wiawso, there are numerous extracurricular activities available for students through various clubs like drama clubs, music clubs, sports teams, etc which give students an opportunity to explore their interests outside the classroom. From cultural clubs to sports teams to volunteer organizations dedicated to community service – there’s something for everyone at Wiawso College.
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The Student Representative Council (SRC) serves as the liaison between students and faculty members providing opportunities for student involvement in decision-making processes that affect life on campus.
The Student Welfare Committee (SWC), works to support student’s social and emotional well-being by organizing various events such as movie nights, talent shows, and more. Overall, the college provides an environment that promotes holistic development for its students.
Academic Programs
An Overview of Wiawso College of Education’s Academic Programs
Wiawso College of Education offers a variety of programs to help students achieve their academic and career goals. The college offers both degree and diploma programs, each with its own unique focus. Degree programs are designed for those interested in pursuing a career in education, while diploma programs are aimed at students who wish to specialize in a particular area.
The college’s academic programs have been designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen career paths. Students will have access to experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields, as well as state-of-the-art facilities that are dedicated to teaching and learning.
Details on Specific Programs Offered
Wiawso College of Education offers a range of academic programs that cater to the diverse needs of its student body. Some of the specific programs offered by the college include Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, Mathematics and Science Education, Social Studies Education, French Education, and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), among others. Each program is tailored towards preparing graduates for success in their chosen field.
For instance, the Early Childhood Education program is designed for those interested in working with young children between the ages of zero and eight years old. The program covers topics such as child development, early literacy skills development, and classroom management strategies.
Faculty Members and Their Areas of Expertise
Wiawso College of Education is home to experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a wealth of experience that they pass on to students during lectures, practical sessions, or group discussions.
Faculty expertise includes areas such as curriculum development, assessment strategies designed for different age groups within an educational system; classroom management techniques; professional ethics; effective communication skills, among others. The faculty works tirelessly to ensure that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their chosen career paths.
Admission Process
Academic Qualifications
Wiawso College of Education offers both degree and diploma programs in various education fields, such as Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Social Studies.
The minimum academic qualification required to be considered for admission to a bachelor’s degree program is a Senior High School Certificate Examination (SSCE) with passes in six subjects including English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science or Social Studies.
Candidates may also apply with a General Business Certificate Examination (GBCE) or West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) with passes in five subjects including English Language, Mathematics, and either Integrated Science or Social Studies.
For the diploma programs, the minimum requirement is five credits in relevant subjects at the SSCE level. Candidates who hold certificates issued by recognized Teacher Training Colleges are also eligible to apply for the diploma programs.
Entrance Exams
All candidates are required to take an entrance examination before admission into any program at Wiawso College of Education. The exam comprises multiple-choice questions covering general knowledge in language proficiency, mathematics, social studies, and science. The exam results are used as part of the criteria for selecting candidates for admission into the college.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applicants must purchase an application form from designated banks or online. Completed forms must be submitted by post or hand-delivered to Wiawso College of Education before the deadline.
Applicants must submit certified true copies of their academic transcripts, birth certificate, and passport photographs along with their completed application forms. The deadlines for submission vary depending on whether you are applying as a regular student, distance learner, or international student.
Regular students must submit their applications by March 31st while distance learning applicants have until June 30th. International students have up until August 31st.
Financial Aid Options Available to Students
Wiawso College of Education offers various financial aid options to help students in need of financial assistance. The college has a scholarship program that provides assistance for academically gifted but financially challenged students. The scholarships are awarded based on merit and need, and the number available varies from year to year.
The college also offers student loan programs in collaboration with various banks. These loans provide low-interest rate financing for tuition and other educational expenses.
Students can apply for loans at designated banks, which evaluate applications based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Additionally, the college provides work-study opportunities for students who need financial assistance.
The jobs range from administrative work to maintenance jobs such as cleaning or groundskeeping. Students can apply through the student affairs office and are paid hourly wages that can be used towards their tuition fees or living expenses.
Student Life
Wiawso College of Education offers a vibrant campus life that provides students with endless opportunities to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom. The college boasts an array of extracurricular activities, from sports teams to drama clubs to music clubs.
Sports enthusiasts can participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other sports while drama and music lovers can join the drama club or choir. These activities offer students a chance to make new friends, develop skills, and form bonds with fellow students who share similar interests.
Theater Club
The Theater club is one of the most popular student groups on campus. This club offers students interested in acting an opportunity to showcase their talent on stage. They have produced numerous plays over the years, including classic reenactments of Shakespearean plays like Romeo and Juliet as well as contemporary plays like The Lion King.
Counseling Services
Wiawso College recognizes that college life can be stressful for some students; therefore they have a counseling center that provides individual counseling services to help students manage stress or any other emotional challenges they may face during their time on campus. The center is staffed by licensed professional counselors, who provide confidential sessions at no cost to students.
Housing Options
Students at Wiawso College have various housing options available including dormitory-style living or off-campus apartments. Dormitory-style living is recommended for freshman year since it creates an environment conducive for making lasting friendships while adjusting to college life. For upperclassmen who prefer more independent living arrangements, there are off-campus apartments available within walking distance of the campus.
Health Services
The health center at Wiawso College provides medical care and support services to all registered students irrespective of their insurance status. The center is staffed by certified and licensed medical professionals who provide a variety of health services, including routine medical care, immunizations, and referrals to specialists when necessary. Students living on campus will find the health center particularly convenient for emergency care as it’s located at the heart of the campus.
Music Club
For those with a passion for music, joining the Music Club is an excellent way to explore this interest. The club offers students an opportunity to learn new instruments or improve their musical skills while working alongside talented musicians from different backgrounds.
They organize regular jam sessions and workshops which help students develop their talents. The student life at Wiawso College is vibrant and diverse, providing students with numerous opportunities to explore their interests while making lasting memories on campus.
Career Opportunities
After graduating from Wiawso College of Education, students have a variety of potential career paths to pursue. The college offers programs in Early Childhood Education, Primary Education, and Junior High School Education, which provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become qualified teachers in their fields.
Graduates may also choose to further their education by pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in education or a related field. With further education and experience, graduates can become educational administrators, curriculum designers, or educational researchers.
Potential Career Paths for Graduates
Wiawso College of Education graduates are well-prepared to become educators in their respective fields. They possess the necessary pedagogical knowledge and skills needed to design lesson plans, teach effectively, assess student learning outcomes, and develop positive classroom environments that foster learning.
Graduates can pursue careers as elementary school teachers, middle school teachers or secondary school teachers in both public and private schools. With further education and experience, they may advance into leadership roles such as instructional coordinators or principals.
Internship Opportunities
Wiawso College of Education provides internship opportunities for students during their program of study. These internships provide valuable hands-on teaching experience that prepares students for future careers in the field.
The college has partnerships with numerous schools throughout Ghana which enable students to gain practical teaching experience under the guidance of experienced educators.
During these internships, students are able to apply theory into practice by designing lesson plans that align with curriculum standards while also gaining valuable insights into classroom management techniques.
Job Placement Rates
The job placement rate for Wiawso College of Education graduates is high thanks to its strong reputation for providing high-quality teacher training programs. Graduates have been hired by public and private schools throughout Ghana, many of whom recognize the value of a Wiawso College of Education diploma. The college’s career center provides support to students as they transition from school to work.
The center offers advice on various job search strategies, resume and cover letter writing skills, and interviewing techniques. Additionally, the college maintains an active network of alumni who often serve as mentors to current students or can provide leads on job openings.
Alumni Network
The Wiawso College of Education Wiawso has a strong alumni network that serves as a valuable resource for current students and recent graduates. Alumni are actively involved in the college’s community and offer their expertise, experience, and connections to help support the success of the next generation of educators. The college provides ongoing opportunities for alumni to stay connected with each other and the institution, as well as to give back in meaningful ways.
Success Stories from Past Graduates
The success stories of past graduates of Wiawso College of Education Wiawso are truly inspirational. Many alumni have gone on to become highly respected and accomplished educators, administrators, policymakers, and researchers.
Several have received national recognition for their work in education, including awards for excellence in teaching or research. For example, one alumnus was recently elected as a member of parliament for his district and is now advocating for policies that support access to quality education throughout Ghana.
Another alumnus started a non-profit organization that provides educational resources to underprivileged children in rural communities. Their stories demonstrate the impact that quality education from Wiawso College of Education can have on individuals and society as a whole.
Opportunities for Alumni Involvement in the College Community
The college offers numerous opportunities for alumni to stay connected with each other and with their alma mater. For example, alumni can attend networking events such as homecoming weekend or regional gatherings. These events provide opportunities to reconnect with former classmates and faculty members while also meeting new people who share similar interests.
In addition, alumni can volunteer their time by serving on advisory committees or mentoring current students or recent graduates. They can also contribute financially by making donations to support scholarships or academic programs at the college.
Networking Events
Networking events are an important way for alumni to stay connected with each other and with the college. These events provide opportunities for alumni to reconnect with former classmates and faculty members, as well as to meet new people who share similar interests or professional goals.
The college hosts a variety of networking events throughout the year, including homecoming weekend, regional gatherings, and professional development workshops. These events provide opportunities for alumni to share their expertise, learn from each other, and build connections that can help support their professional growth.
Overall, the Wiawso College of Education Wiawso’s strong alumni network is a testament to the quality of education and community that the college provides. Through ongoing involvement and support from its graduates, the college can continue to make a positive impact on education in Ghana and beyond.
Conclusion
Wiawso College of Education Wiawso is a remarkable institution that has been making significant contributions to education in Ghana since its establishment. The college’s mission and vision are reflected in the quality of the academic programs offered, which have produced competent teachers who are capable of impacting their communities positively.
The college’s location and surroundings provide an excellent learning environment, and the campus facilities are top-notch, providing students with everything they need to excel academically and socially.
Wiawso College of Education’s admission process is rigorous but rewarding, ensuring that only qualified students are admitted into the school. Financial aid options are also available for eligible students who need assistance.
Once admitted, students enjoy an exciting campus life with plenty of extracurricular activities to participate in and support services available. Upon graduation from Wiawso College of Education Wiawso, graduates have several career paths to choose from with opportunities for internships, job placements as well as alumni involvement through networking events.
Past graduates have gone on to achieve great success in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Wiawso College of Education Wiawso remains committed to its mission of producing highly qualified teachers who will impact the development of Ghana positively through their expertise.
The college continues to rank high among other educational institutions in Ghana due to its academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and various student organizations/clubs that promote social interactions on campus amongst others. Students looking for a quality teacher training institution should consider attending Wiawso College of Education Wiawso where they will be nurtured intellectually and socially while preparing them for leadership roles both locally and globally.
