The National Science and Technology Council Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Science and Technology yesterday distributed 10 gifts to the best science students in 10 secondary schools in the Western Area at the British Council in Freetown.
Several students, teachers, principals, members of Parliament, Mathematics and Science Teachers Association members and officers of the Ministry of Education Science and technology witnessed the auspicious ceremony.
Giving a brief background of the current status of Science and Technology in secondary schools most of the teachers expressed grave concern over the lack of resources and logistics to teach science subjects in secondary schools which they said is largely responsible for the abysmal performances of students in public exams.
They called on the Ministry of Education Science and Technology to support schools with learning materials such as text books and practical equipments for the laboratories in secondary schools.
The Executive Secretary of the National Science and Technology Council Secretariat Ibrahim Sesay in his brief statement catalogued progress being made by the council, and some challenges facing schools in providing quality education in science and technology subjects.
He encouraged government and the private sector to support research programs in the sciences to prepare a generation of students that are development oriented.
The Deputy Minister of Education Science and Technology Lansana Nyallay while delivering the keynote address said the concept of science and technology for our development is not only significant and its process exciting but also if appropriately developed and strategically employed it can be a powerful instrument for improving the welfare of the people.
He assured students and the National Science and Technology Council Secretariat that the Ministry of Education is committed and determined to support science and technology education in schools.
Chief Education officer in the Ministry of Education Science and Technology chaired the ceremony and expressed optimism for collective collaboration and support towards science and technology education in the country.
Distribution of gifts to the best students formed a high point of the presentation ceremony.
By Saidu Bah
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