Address By The Director GESDI, Mrs. Eva Gyina-Bediako At The Maiden Staff Durbar

The Ghana Education Staff Development Institute (GESDI) formerly Ghana Education Service Training and Courses Centre (GESTCC) has successfully held its Maiden Staff Durbar.

The event, which took place at the forecourt of GESDI, Saltpond on Friday, October 7, 2022, had many dignitaries gracing it with their presence.

The theme for the Maiden Staff Durbar is "Improving Teaching and Learning in Schools, the Role of GESDI".

The Director of the Ghana Education Staff Development Institute (GESDI), Mrs. Eva Gyina-Bediako in her speech said, "when you come to GESDI, we will make you feel at home and you will never forget it". She lamented on the challenges facing GESDI, adding that the institute does not have a vehicle for the Director, inadequate staff and equipment hinder effective and efficient development of the institute. She further made suggestions and the way forward.

Mrs. Eva Gyina-Bediako, Director GESDI

Read the full speech by the Director below:

"People will forget what you did, but People will never forget how you made them feel" Maya Angelou Rule is basically about your favourites eg. your Boss, Manager or Teacher, etc 

All too soon a year has come to pass. Ghana Education Staff Development Institute (GESDI) formerly called Ghana Education Service Training and Courses Centre (GESTCC), Saltpond. It was established in the late 1940s as an outfit for Ghana Education Service to provide In-service Training for Pupil Teachers. The centre also hosted the Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD) in the 1960s. By the late 1970s, Teacher Education Division had taken over the management of the Centre for marking of Teacher Training Colleges Examination Scripts and organization of workshops for College of Education Tutors. In the mid 2010, the Assets of GESDI Ajumako were transferred to Saltpond. This transfer changed the image and the name of Ghana Education Service Training and Courses Centre (GESTCC) to assume the current status hence the name Ghana Education Staff Development Institute (GESDI), Saltpond.

GESDI is currently a unit of the Human Resource and Management Division of Ghana Education Service, Headquarters. Reports are therefore submitted to the Director General through the Director Human Resource and Management Division. Currently, the Institute is being given a face-lift to serve as an effective and efficient Staff Career Development Centre.

The Career Development Training is a type of In-service Training designed to upgrade the knowledge, skills and ability of the employees to help them assume greater responsibility in high positions in service and also to perform better to improve the quality of education in pre-tertiary educational institutions. Our vision is "Quality Service for Professional Development" and our Mission is "To provide quality service for Ghana Education Staff Development and career progression to ensure quality education delivery."

ACHIEVEMENTS

Within a year, I know many people who have been coming here for training will attest to the fact that there has been a tremendous improvement in terms of facilities such as Beds, TVs, Fridges and Wardrobes in almost all the rooms. Installation of electronic automatic gate at the main entrance of the new site. Erection of 3 sign posts at the junction of Saltpond by-pass that link Mankessim-Cape Coast Highway.

Installation of Vodafone Internet connection at the conference and Reception area to support the Internet connectivity. In the area of service delivery for example, food: Banku and Tilapia, konkonte among others are special. Addison International also organized a training course on Customer care and housing keeping for the workers of GESDI. Opening of a Restaurant, Mini Massage Centre, renovation at the Director's and Accountant's accommodation to mention but a few.

CHALLENGES

The Institute has no vehicle for the Director, vehicle for internal running and bus to convey participants from the new site to the old site. Old-fashioned floor tiles in some of the rooms, Conference Halls and the corridors need to be replaced. Inadequate staff, inadequate office equipment like computers, photocopy machine, scanners, printers, etc. Rooms at the old site have no in-built washrooms for workshop participants. No plant for the new site in case there's light off.

SUGGESTIONS

At least two pick-up vehicles and a bus should be provided to the centre for effective administrative work. There is the need to employ additional staff, especially a plumber, pantry assistants, cooks, cleaners, securities, labourers for effective and efficient administration of the centre. Beautification of the frontage should be a great concern. Redesigning of rooms at the old site and the flat adjacent to the new block to make them self-contain.

WAY FORWARD

Construction of additional Modern Hostel blocks and Conference Rooms to accommodate more participants. GES should upgrade GESDI to international standards for Professional Development and Conferences.

In conclusion, GESDI is for Teachers (GES Staff) so let's make very good use of it to improve teaching and learning in our schools.

Thank you and may God bless you all.

See other photos below:

Source: AfricaNewsArenaGh.com