As Ghana strives to improve its education sector, it is essential to recognize the critical role of health in academic performance. Vision and hearing impairments are common yet often undetected issues that can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn.
The current practice involves educators trying to identify and support students with undiagnosed health issues such as the inability to see well or hear clearly in class. Unidentified students are left to struggle until they are of the appropriate age to consult the doctor. The Ghana Education Service (GES) can take a proactive step by partnering with healthcare providers to conduct vision and hearing examinations for school-going children before admission into Basic School. Good health is a critical factor in a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school. This initiative can have a transformative impact on the educational journey of our children.
The benefits of this partnership are numerous and impact the results at an early stage in the academic journey of students:
Firstly, early detection and intervention can prevent long-term damage and improve academic performance. Undetected vision and hearing issues can lead to struggles in the classroom, resulting in decreased self-esteem and academic achievement.
This will enhance learning outcomes and overall well-being for students. The impact of this action will reduce the burden on teachers and schools to identify and address health issues among their pupils.
Lastly, there will be a strengthened collaboration between the education and health sectors and this partnership can pave the way for future initiatives that prioritize student health and well-being.
The way forward:
Integrating vision and hearing examinations into existing programs such as the School Health Program (SHEP) or the National School Health Policy (NSHP) is a logical and efficient way to implement this initiative. GES can ensure a seamless and cost-effective rollout by leveraging these existing frameworks. Also, an alternative policy of directing parents to see appropriate and registered health practitioners for screening and endorsement.
I urge GES to take action and partner with healthcare providers to prioritize vision and hearing examinations for school-going children. Let us work together to create a healthy and supportive learning environment for our future leaders.
Contact: Dr. Samuel Sesah [CEO, Eye Savers Ghana]
Email: samuelsesah@yahoo.com
