Holy Child College of Education marks 80 years of excellence in teacher education (Final part)

Guiding the transition to tertiary education

THROUGH the mentorship arrangement, UCC has provided academic oversight, curriculum guidance, and quality assurance, and new programmes that respond to 21st-century education needs.

Holy Child College of Education, T-TEL and Sabre Trust Partnerships

Beyond its long-standing academic mentorship with the University of Cape Coast, Holy Child College of Education (HCCE) has benefited significantly from strategic partnerships (CIP): Implemented in Holy Child College of Education from 2016 – 2017.

iii. Gender responsive improvement plan: Implemented in Holy Child College of Education from 2018 – 2019.

T-TEL challenged us to rethink how tutors teach and how students learn. Today, our classrooms are more engaging, reflective, and learner-focused. programme, ensuring that reforms were not only structural but meaningful at classroom level.

Contributions of the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the College

The SRC of Holy Child College of Education has contributed significantly 07

particularly during the transition from certificate and diploma programmes to the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. Course structures, assessment standards, and moderation processes are aligned with UCC’s rigorous academic framework. This partnership has enabled Holy Child College of Education to confidently implement reforms in teacher education while maintaining consistency and credibility across Ghana’s tertiary system. UCC’s role has gone beyond supervision, UCC has been partners in curriculum development, assessment, and the professional growth of our tutors.

Capacity building and professional development

Over the years, the University of Cape Coast has supported staff development at Holy Child College of Education through training, academic mentoring, and opportunities for tutors to pursue higher degrees. Many faculty members have benefited from postgraduate programmes at UCC, enhancing teaching quality, research capacity, and academic leadership within the College. This continuous professional development has directly impacted student outcomes, contributing to improved academic performance and stronger professional competence among graduating teachers.

Quality assurance and academic standards

UCC’s involvement in examination moderation, accreditation support, and graduation processes has ensured that certificates awarded to Holy Child graduates carry strong academic credibility. Graduates of the College are, therefore, well positioned for further studies and professional advancement within Ghana and internationally. The confidence our graduates have today is partly because they know their degrees are backed by the University of Cape Coast.

Looking to the future

As Holy Child College of Education marks its 80th anniversary, both institutions are exploring ways to deepen collaboration, particularly in research, innovation in pedagogy, and the integration of digital learning technologies. Our vision is to move from mentorship to deeper academic collaboration. We look forward to joint research initiatives, expanded staff exchanges, with Transforming Teacher Education and Learning (T-TEL) and Sabre Trust.

These collaborations have played a critical role in strengthening teaching quality, institutional governance, and student learning outcomes. Our partnership with T-TEL and Sabre Trust marked a turning point in how we approached teaching, leadership, and accountability.

Partnership with T-TEL: Transforming classroom practice

Holy Child College of Education became an active beneficiary of the T-TEL programme, a government-led and donor-funded initiative aimed at improving the quality of teacher education across Ghana’s Colleges of Education. Through this partnership, the College embraced learner-centred pedagogy, reflective teaching, and improved assessment practices.

Key collaborative interventions included:

• Tutor professional development workshops focused on interactive teaching methods, lesson planning, and inclusive education.
• Introduction of the “Talk for Learning” and active learning approaches, moving away from rote teaching.
• Improved assessment and feedback systems aligned with national teacher education standards.
• Leadership and management training for college administrators and heads of department.

T-TEL and Holy Child College of Education collaborated and undertook three major projects, namely;

i. Challenge fund project: Implemented in Holy Child College of Education from 2016 – 2017.

ii. College Improvement Plan

The impact of T-TEL’s interventions is evident in improved tutor confidence, stronger student participation, and enhanced academic performance in recent graduating cohorts.

Partnership with Sabre Trust: Strengthening leadership and governance

Complementing T-TEL’s pedagogical focus, Sabre Trust partnered with Holy Child College of Education to strengthen institutional leadership, governance, and accountability systems. Sabre Trust’s work emphasised ethical leadership, transparent management, and data-driven decision-making.

Collaborative activities included:

• Training of College leadership and governing council members.
• Support for strategic planning and performance management.
• Strengthening internal quality assurance and monitoring systems.
• Mentoring programmes aimed at building leadership confidence and institutional resilience.

Sabre Trust helped in strengthening the governance structures and leadership culture of the college. Their support ensured that academic excellence was matched with sound management.

Impact on Students and institutional culture

The combined influence of T-TEL and Sabre Trust has contributed to a noticeable shift in the College’s academic and administrative culture. Students are now more actively engaged in their learning, tutors are more reflective in their practice, and management decisions are increasingly evidence-based. These partnerships have also supported Holy Child College of Education’s smooth transition into the Bachelor of Education (BEd) Natural Mineral Water which produces water for the college community and also sells to the immediate community.

to academic support initiatives, student welfare advocacy, campus infrastructure development, sports, cultural activities, and community outreach. Through democratic leadership and service, the Council has nurtured future educators and national leaders while supporting the overall growth and reputation of the College. As the College celebrates its 80th Anniversary, the SRC proudly reflects on decades of commitment to service, partnership, and student empowerment, and reaffirms its dedication to the continued advancement of the institution.

Since its establishment, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of the College has been a strong voice for student welfare, leadership, and academic excellence. Over the years, the SRC has served as a vital link between students and management, promoting dialogue, unity, and responsible student leadership.

Achievements that define a proud journey

Over eight decades, Holy Child College of Education (HCCE) has contributed significantly to Ghana’s education sector:

• Graduation of generations of trained teachers who have served in basic, secondary, and tertiary institutions nationwide, and occupied leadership roles in education and beyond.
• Outstanding steady academic outcomes over the years and recently evidenced by the first, second and third graduating cohorts from the new 4-year BEd programme recording the highest number of first-class honours (41) in the College’s history a testament to rising academic standards and rigorous training.
• Infrastructure development, including the building of a new auditorium (Bishop John Martin Darko Auditorium) named after the first Council Chairman of the college since the elevation of the college to a tertiary status and sprawling lecture facilities, enhancing the learning environment for students and staff.
• Two new halls of residence (Society of Holy Child Jesus Hall and Mrs Cecilia Harry Quaye Hall) have been added to the existing five making a total of seven halls of residence. The five other halls are: Anita, Joachim, Colum Kathleen Marie and Ellise.
• Construction of two boreholes which supplies water to the college community.
• Establishment of Holico

Challenges along the way

Despite its distinguished legacy, the College faces critical challenges that threaten to slow its progress. Leadership has highlighted a pressing shortage of basic learning and teaching infrastructure, including academic chairs, adequate facilities, and poor internal roads that impede access and safety on campus. Other constraints include accommodation shortages for students, with hostel construction projects experiencing delays despite recent government support, and gaps in modern teaching and technological resources.

Projections and the road ahead

Looking forward, HCCE is poised to build on its 80-year heritage by:

• Completing infrastructure projects, including the 300-capacity hostel and expanded lecture halls that will support growth and modern pedagogical needs.
• Strengthening academic programmes and expanding research and professional development to remain responsive to 21st-century educational demands.
• Deepening partnerships with government, local communities, alumni, and development partners to secure funding and resources vital for sustainable progress.
• Championing inclusivity and empowerment, especially for women in education, reinforcing the College’s mission of shaping confident, committed educators for Ghana and beyond.

Conclusion: Celebrating 80 years of excellence

The theme for this year’s anniversary ‘80 Years of Excellence, Empowerment, and Innovation in Teacher Education in the 21st Century,’ encapsulates the College’s enduring commitment to quality, service, and transformation. As the institution looks to its future, its legacy of nurturing educators continues to shine as a beacon of hope and development for generations to come.

The writer is Principal of Holy Child College of Education, Takoradi.
Email: principal@hcce.edu.gh

BY DR FRANCIS HULL ADAMS

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