The maiden edition of a National Science and Mathematics quiz for pupils in the Catholic Junior High Schools has been launched in Accra.
The competition dubbed “Brain Battle Quiz” (BBQ) seeks to bring pupils in the Catholic Junior High Schools and some private schools together through a healthy competition in the disciplines of Science, Mathematics and Technology.
It also seeks to educate through edutainment while stimulating interest in these areas for national development.
Launching the competition in Accra, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra and the Bishop in charge of Catholic Education in Ghana, Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie, said the church had over the years contributed immensely to the development of human capital through its various educational institutions and policies.
He mentioned that the introduction of a national quiz for pupils in the Catholic basic schools across the country was the Church’s commitment in ensuring that it delivered its quota to the development of the nation.
“The introduction of the BBQ is not just the birth of a project but the materialization of a vision that will impact the very foundations of Science, Mathematics and Technology education in Ghana.”
“With the inclusion of a practical round and applied mathematics concepts, the creative potential of our children will be unlocked and it will empower them to become great scientists who will use the principles of science to engineer products and solve community problems,” he added.
The Archbishop implored the pupils to aspire for excellence by adopting creative skills and confidence that would ensure that they succeeded in the competition and beyond.
He also called on corporate Ghana, philanthropists and sponsors to come on board to support the project to ensure its success as the secretariat planned to expand it to include other basic schools in the country in the nearest possible time.
The General Manager of Catholic Schools, Mrs Doris Ashun, on her part noted that scientific application and innovation were critical for economic competitiveness, quality of life and national security in a globlised world.
She said it was therefore imperative that science education was prioritised by ensuring that teachers’ capabilities were enhanced that would enable them adopt creative, exciting and practical teaching methods to bring out the best in the pupils.
“This science and mathematics quiz is also introducing practical perspective that will not only allow the children to learn and pour out what they have learnt but improve upon the impact of science on the young ones,” she said.
Mrs Ashun urged all participating schools to consider the competition as an opportunity to whisk up pupils’ interest in science and mathematics.
