It is unfortunate how COVID-19 was able to disrupt academic studies not only in tertiary schools but in schools across the country.
This discourse focuses mainly on tertiary students in Ghana due to a some alarming impacts of the pandemic on the education of Ghanaian undergraduates.
Introduction
“Ghana government impose the first ban on all public gatherings like conferences, funerals, festivals, political rallies, Church services, Islamic worship for 4 weeks on Monday, 16th March, 2020 the outbreak.” BBC.com reported.
The ban was meant for 4 weeks but extended until schools were reopened in January 2021.
The impact on the well being and education of Ghanaian tertiary students cannot be overlooked. Almost all students in public tertiary institutions in Ghana enroll on a full-time schedule. This discourages students from working part time to support their education and other basic necessities.
Students have to rely on family and friends to sponsor their education and take care of them while studying at school. The untold hardship and frustration witnessed by Ghanaian Undergraduate students demands the urgency for COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Effects of COVID-19 on Education and Well-Being of Ghanaian Undergraduates.
1. Extreme poverty.
While most students focus on schooling, there is no ample opportunity to start up a business or to work while schooling. As soon as COVID-19 hit, students had to face the reality of an uncertain tough economic diaspora. (On the impact of the Diaspora on economic development in Africa.)
2. Disinterest in school academic activities and curriculum.
Some Ghanaian undergraduates have since the resumption of schools after the COVID lockdown in Ghana lost interest in the academic curricula. Many are being convinced that the same frustrated experience during the lockdown will repeat itself after graduation i.e unemployment.
3. Higher cost of living on campus.
Ghanaian undergraduates now spend more on minor expenses. Every student has to wear a face / nose mask before entering the lecture halls and residential halls. Although sanitizers and and other COVID-19 related precautionary kits and equipment’s including test kits, soap and water, tissues etc. are provided and being used in tertiary schools in accordance to COVID-19 guidelines by Ministry of Health (MOH), students are encouraged to own sanitizers and nose masks. These are all extra costs.
So many notable effects can be published in this discourse. In other to identify the numerous effects of COVID-19 pandemic, a poll has been created.
Possible Solutions
1. COVID-19 Relief Fund for Ghanaian undergraduates
2. Incentives
3. Workshops, summits and counselling.
COVID-19 Relief Fund Poll for Ghanaian Undergraduates
Partake in the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Ghanaian Undergraduates poll below.
COVID-19 Relief Fund Survey for Ghanaian Undergraduates
A survey on the impact of COVID-19 on Ghanaian Undergraduates and the need for COVID-19 Relief Fund link is provided below. If you are a student, you are encouraged to partake in this survey.
LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k7dTlv7zy5X2CR9VhvaXYsqPCAJOZ5iugZnla7i-sBE/edit?usp=sharing.
References
Gnimassoun, B. and Anyanwu, J.C., 2019. The Diaspora and economic development in Africa. Review of World Economics, 155(4), pp.785-817.
Hart, K., 1976. The politics of unemployment in Ghana. African Affairs, 75(301), pp.488-497.
Schwartz, B., 2009. Incentives, choice, education and well‐being. Oxford Review of Education, 35(3), pp.391-403.
