Empowering Educators, Empowering Generations
In November 2021, the British Council, supported by the Wikimedia Foundation, launched the Skills 4 Success (S4S) programme in Ghana. Aimed at pre-service teacher trainers and student teachers, S4S was designed to elevate digital literacy and factual writing skills, preparing the next generation of learners to navigate and contribute to the digital world with confidence and credibility.
Our Mission
The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with information at our fingertips yet mixed with misinformation. Skills 4 Success embarked on a mission to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide learners aged 11–16 through this landscape. By integrating media and information literacy (MIL) and factual writing (FW) into day-to-day lessons, S4S aimed to make learners more discerning of online content, skilled in factual writing, and proactive in the digital and academic spaces.
Programme Highlights
Country Focus: Initially piloted in Ghana, with plans to scale in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Training and Materials Development: A comprehensive teacher training programme complemented by carefully curated educational materials.
Holistic Approach: Focused on enhancing digital literacy, navigating misinformation, fostering an active voice online, and developing factual writing skills.
Achievements and Impact
Through rigorous training sessions and the deployment of bespoke educational materials, S4S has made significant strides:
- Enhanced Digital Literacy: Educators and learners are now better equipped to use the internet as a research and learning tool.
- Factual Writing Proficiency: Improved writing skills support learners in making meaningful online contributions and enhance their communication skills.
- Critical Engagement: A heightened ability to critically assess online information, contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
The Journey Ahead
The closure event on 21 March 2024 marks not an end but the beginning of the next phase of our journey. With the foundation laid in Ghana, Skills 4 Success looks toward broader horizons, aiming to replicate its success across Sub-Saharan Africa. The programme's achievements underscore the critical need for continued investment in digital literacy and factual writing education, ensuring that the youth are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
Get Involved
As we celebrate our milestones and plan for the future, we invite educators, policymakers, and potential partners to join us in this transformative endeavour. Together, we can create a more digitally literate, informed, and empowered generation.
For more information on Skills 4 Success and how you can contribute to or benefit from our programme, please get in touch with us by emailing us at gabriel.quarshie@britishcouncil.org
#Skills4Success #SchoolsConnect #BritishCouncilGhana