THE ROLE OF PLAN GHANA'S EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES TOWARDS IMPROVING BASIC EDUCATION IN THE WA MUNICIPALITY OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Basic education is very imperative for empowering individuals in promoting democracies, improving health, conserving at environmental resources for future generation and creating sustainable economies of nations. Although, the onus of these responsibilities heavily rest on the government, the government is unable to meet the needs of the citizens due to financial constraints and other competing demands. These constraints inspired NGOs to assist communities by investing in the educational sector to develop human resources. This research assesses the role of Plan Ghana (NGO) in improving basic education in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region, Ghana. Human capital theory undergirded the study. Case study design was utilized with triangulating quantitative data with the qualitative data in some cases. Instruments such as questionnaires and interview guides were used. The data was tapped from both primary and secondary sources. The study distils among others that schools construction and furnishing with the necessary equipment, train teachers and pupils, supported vulnerable children, constructing latrine and clean water programme for schools, supporting teachers through workshops, trained community members to promote children education, especially the girl-child and basic education in general, and supporting circuit supervisors to effectively supervise the teachers were the hallmark of the Plan Ghana. Again, Plan Ghana has helped increase school enrollment, attendance and performance of the school through providing the pupils with learning equipment. In addition, there was lack of collaboration between the beneficiaries' parents, teachers and Plan Ghana. The study concludes that Plan Ghana has helped to improve pupils' performance and teacher retention by 77% and 75% respectively. To further improve basic education in the municipality the study recommends that government should create partnership for further interventions of the NGOs, particularly Plan Ghana in the basic schools to realize universal basic education as a tool for national development. Plan Ghana Officials should collaborate effectively with stakeholders before giving out materials to the schools and the pupils or the beneficiaries of the project.