Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health, and Allied Sciences (UHAS), has reiterated the resolve to leverage international collaboration for the growth of the university.

She said the continuing successes of the premier health training institution hinged heavily on international partnerships, and that management considered strongly the need to enhance the front.

The Vice Chancellor was addressing the second international day celebration of the university which was on the theme: “UHAS International Community – a Catalyst for UHAS growth.”

She said there presently existed more than 50 international partnerships, the strongest being with China and India.

She said 25 members of the university faculty were also foreign nationals, with some rising to head departments and institutions.

“The international day is symbolic. It represents our commitment to our international faculty, students, and partners.

“UHAS couldn’t have come this far without international partners, particularly our faculty. As the Vice Chancellor I will want to appreciate the commitment, dedication and sacrifices for what you have done and continue to do for UHAS,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

She assured the international community of extended hospitality, and said the management was putting in place necessary efforts to ensure smooth immigration for multinationals who sought lasting work commitment.

“We commit to be able to work with you to grow our university. Our environment is very supportive of international faculty and students alike.

Prof Aziato said: “UHAS is committed to internationalisation – to create the needed environment to support those who want to work with us. UHAS has the commitment to welcome anybody from any country with the qualification.”

The VC highlighted the university’s partnership with the York University which among others had helped train a number of faculty members.

She, however, lamented the admission of only two international students, and urged students from the diaspora and the sub-region to enroll with the University.

The international day celebration which was held at the Kofi Anyidoho Auditorium of the University, was attended by the various multinationals of the institution including from Cuba, India, China, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and there was an impressive display of culture from across.

An elaborate presentation of cuisines offered a rich variety of international food cultures to the hundreds of attendees.

Members of the international community commended the University for offering the platform to grow cultural diversity and pledged to help maintain the flow of relationships in building up the young University.

Prof. Elvis Tarkang, a Cameroonian, who recently was appointed the Dean of International Affairs told the Ghana News Agency his elevation attested to the multinational outlook of the University and the Ghanaian society.

“That a foreigner can get this position shows there is equity in the UHAS system. Ghanaians are hospitable people, and the University has built collaboration that would strengthen Africa-led education,” he said.

On the issue of international student enrolment, the Dean said Management should consider policies that would favour the choice as the perfect destination for health training on the African Continent.

Madam Celestine Sewoenam Korsi-Agordo, the South Tongu District Director of Education, has encouraged teachers across all sessions of the education divide to integrate play into their learning modules.

She said the motive was to empower children and activate their physical wellbeing and offer respite to offload stress.

Madam Korsi-Agordo made the call during a ceremony to mark the International Day of Play, which was championed by Right to Play Ghana, a non-government organisation working to help children to rise above challenges, at Abor R.C. School, in the Volta Region.

She urged teachers, particularly those at the Basic level to keep observing children critically on what they loved doing to inculcate them into their classroom activities.

“There is no strict observance of the timetable, it is situations at the time that should determine how you structure your lesson, hence the need to make time for play activities as well”

The 2024 International Day of Play by the United Nations General Assembly was observed by Right to Play, Ghana in the Volta Region for four beneficiary Districts namely, Keta, Anloga District, South Tongu, and Akatsi South Municipality.

Madam Korsi-Agordo expressed her satisfaction over the celebration. She explained how important a play-based classroom could be to both learners and facilitators towards goal achievement.

“Play in learning is not only for learners but for teachers too, because it also helps them to enjoy whatever they are teaching in the classroom. It helps the teacher to critically observe and directly interact with the pupils”

“You cannot have a whole lesson of one hour or more without any form of play to create that innovative classroom for the child, particularly at the primary level.

She said a classroom without any form of play rendered it unattractive, urging teachers to embrace the idea of making the learning environment more creative, innovative, and play orientated.”

Madam Korsi-Agordo further pledged to implement plans to imbibe play into all classrooms across her District, which would lure children to have an interest in education.

She also explained that children needed time to play since it is a fundamental right that helped to build their resilience and instills confidence in them.

This year’s event was on the theme; “The Role of Play in Educational Transformation, Community Development Initiatives, and Holistic Development.”

More than 300 learners from beneficiary schools were involved in various forms of play activities and games including bouncing castles, giant tunnel slides, mountain climbers, volleyballs, netball, table tennis, football, and others.

Directors of the beneficiary Districts who witnessed the event pledged to integrate play into their classrooms, respectively.

Mr. Maxwell Denakpor, the Right to Play Volta Project Officer and other stakeholders in the education sector across the four districts were in attendance to mark the day.