Kwasi Avudzivii (L) addressing JICA members and journalists
The Keta Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Gerhard Kwasi Avudzivii, has praised the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its commitment to addressing educational challenges in his jurisdiction through the voluntary posting of skilled personnel.
During a courtesy visit by JICA executives, Mr. Avudzivii highlighted his dedication to transforming the teaching and learning system through stringent supervision, which has yielded impressive results over time, attributing part of the success to JICA’s initiatives.
“When I arrived here, I inherited a BECE pass mark of just 14%. I had to work hard, and by the grace of God, it improved to 25% in my first year, then 28% the following year, and we are steadily progressing due to my interventions. This is why I maintain strict oversight of my teachers,” he stated.
Mr. Avudzivii also acknowledged the significant contributions of JICA volunteer Daisuke Yasugi, who teaches Basic Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the municipality. He noted, “I had a homestay with him for some time when he arrived here, but I am informed he will be leaving soon. He has made a remarkable impact on the students, particularly in the field of ICT.”
Beneficiary students expressed their gratitude for Yasugi’s dedication to teaching Basic ICT, stating, “His teaching has really impacted us, and we are grateful to have him here.”
Similarly, at Akatsi Demonstration School in the Volta Region, headmistress Stella Sogbor commended JICA for supporting the school with volunteer Asuka Haga, who is educating hearing-impaired students.
She remarked, “Students with special needs are truly benefiting from the dedication of volunteers. These efforts ensure that children with disabilities receive the necessary support to thrive academically.”
The Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) programme, facilitated by JICA since 1977, has dispatched over 1,600 Japanese volunteers across the country, making meaningful impacts in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, private sector development, and sports.
Currently, 43 volunteers are actively working in various parts of Ghana to address key developmental challenges. JICA Ghana’s Chief Representative, Momoko Suzuki, noted that volunteers work closely with local communities. Many volunteers return after their service period to engage in development cooperation initiatives or start businesses that tackle local challenges.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke