Dr. Apaak lauds Peace Corps Volunteers as drivers of STEM education

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has praised Peace Corps volunteers as key contributors to STEM education in Ghana’s basic schools.

Speaking on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the swearing-in of a new cohort of volunteers in Accra, Dr. Apaak highlighted the critical role they play in strengthening science and technology education, particularly in underserved communities.

“We are particularly pleased to note that many of you bring specialised skills in STEM education, combined with the important ability to integrate foundational literacy into your teaching,” he said.

He noted that the deployment of volunteers comes at a crucial time when improving the quality of teaching and learning remains a national priority.

According to him, their presence will help bridge gaps in educational delivery across the country.

“Across the country, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach communities, volunteers have supported the teaching of STEM subjects, strengthened foundational learning, and worked under challenging conditions with remarkable dedication,” Dr. Apaak stated.

He further emphasised that the contributions of Peace Corps volunteers extend beyond classroom instruction, helping to create an enabling environment for effective learning.

“Beyond the classroom, they have partnered with communities to support initiatives such as libraries, ICT centres, teachers’ accommodation, and WASH projects,” he added.

Dr. Apaak encouraged the newly sworn-in volunteers to approach their work with commitment and adaptability, stressing that their impact will depend not only on technical expertise but also on their willingness to engage meaningfully with local communities.

“Learn from the communities you serve. Respect their traditions. Build relationships. Share your knowledge with humility and openness,” he urged.

He described the volunteers as important actors in Ghana’s education development agenda, noting that their work continues to shape the country’s human resource base.

The Peace Corps programme, which has operated in Ghana for over six decades, remains a key partner in advancing STEM education and improving learning outcomes nationwide.