Heads of Kyebi Ebenezer Presbyterian Primary School and Apedwa Newtown M/A Primary School have commended the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) COMPASS Programme for its significant impact on students' performance in mathematics. This acknowledgement came during a media tour to observe the progress of the COMPASS project in these schools.
Initiated in 2020, the Project for Improving Learning Outcomes through Community Participation for Sustainable School for All (COMPASS) aims to enhance numeracy learning outcomes in primary schools. Over the course of four years, from March 2020 to March 2024, the project benefited 1,868 primary schools across 60 districts in the Eastern, Volta, and Oti regions.
Managed by the Ghana Education Service (GES) with technical assistance from JICA, the COMPASS project collaborates with various educational bodies such as the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the National Teaching Council, and the National Schools Inspectorate Authority.
Madam Irene Odonkor, Head Teacher of Kyebi Presbyterian Primary School, reported a noticeable improvement in her pupils' numeracy skills since the inception of the project. She attributed this progress to the structured practice sessions using COMPASS numeracy learning materials, conducted four times a week. These sessions, along with assigned homework, sparked a renewed interest in numeracy among the students, leading to improved exam scores.
Madam Charity Ohene Brako, Headteacher of Apedwa Newtown M/A Primary School, echoed similar sentiments about the positive impact of the COMPASS programme on her students' performance. However, she highlighted the need for additional practice materials, suggesting the use of exercise books alongside workbooks.
Students also expressed their appreciation for the COMPASS programme, noting that the practical approach facilitated by the workbook helped them grasp mathematical concepts more effectively. Elizabeth Serwaa, a Class Five student, shared her newfound interest in mathematics, attributing it to the continued practice encouraged by the programme.
Mr. Bright Dey, COMPASS Project Operations Team Lead, affirmed the success of the programme, citing an 80 per cent success rate based on field supervisor reports. He emphasized the transformative impact of the programme in improving numeracy learning outcomes across participating schools.
The COMPASS programme stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between international development agencies and local educational institutions in enhancing educational outcomes and fostering holistic student development in Ghana.