Accra: Parents and teachers have been urged to support and nurture the talent of children discovered in their formative years to help them become useful assets to their families, society, and the nation at large.
According to Ghana News Agency, schools have been encouraged to prioritise organising periodic competitions such as cultural festivals, talent shows, and sporting festivals that unearth the potential and creativity in children. Nana Asiedu Offei, the Presiding Member of the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly and Managing Director of Solodom Group of Companies, emphasized this during an interview on the sidelines of the Municipal Festival of Arts and Culture held for Basic School pupils at the Special School for The Blind in Akropong-Akuapem, Eastern Region.
The event, organized by the Akuapem North Municipal Education Directorate, was themed 'Unleashing the Creativity in Kindergarten Learners Towards a Life-long Learning.' It featured competitions in painting, poetry, chorales, and traditional dance, engaging seven circuits: Akropong, Larteh, Mampong, Adorso, Tinkong, Okurase, and Mangoase. Each circuit had previously excelled in a category at the circuit level, earning their place in the municipal stage.
Nana Offei described the event as a talent hunt that promotes creativity and exposes the inherent talents of children. He encouraged stakeholders to prioritize such programs annually to tap into the budding talents of young ones who are potential future leaders.
Guest Speaker Ms. Abigail Osayohkodjie, Eastern Regional Early Childhood Education Coordinator, urged parents and teachers to allow children to express themselves freely to build their confidence. She highlighted that such freedom promotes creativity and critical thinking, making children innovative in their everyday reasoning.
Mr. Lawrence Dzah, Municipal Director of Education, emphasized the importance of organizing such programs periodically to highlight learners' inborn talents in creative arts. He stressed the value of painting in children's development, noting its role in promoting creativity, emotional expression, cognitive growth, and strengthening fine motor skills.
Mrs. Patricia Nyanpong, Municipal Early Childhood Education Coordinator, in her welcome address, noted that the event fosters communication skills, curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking among learners. She encouraged parents to allow children the freedom to pursue their passions, potentially creating career opportunities in the future.
Certificates of honor were awarded to the participating schools at the conclusion of the event.