BECE: Because Education Creates Epportunity

BECE’s are the entrance exams which students take at the end of Junior High School (JHS). Their scores determine what Senior High School (SHS) they will get into. In America, this is what I would consider the equivalent to taking the ACT or SAT for college, so it’s really important.

Before I go any further, here is a quick rundown of the school system in Ghana:

· 2 years kindergarten (KG1 and KG2)
· 6 years of gradeschool (Primary 1 through 6)
· 3-4 years of JHS (Forms 1 through 3)
· 3 years of SHS (Forms 1 through 3)
· Then University, Polytechnic, or Teaching College

Ghanaians are in school for a very long time…about an extra 3 years compared to America. So while SHS is still considered “high school” it’s actually more prestigious and difficult than most universities, and after completing SHS, you have the qualifications for a good job.

My observation during the weeks leading up to these BECE’s has been mixed. Somehow, Ghana becomes Korea during the month of April. There is no rest for the children, unless the child just don’t care. They take mock exams every day, attend after school lectures, and even get tested during the weekends. For some of the more rural or less disciplined schools with less disciplined students, this month is a game of catch up where teachers drill students day in and day out, trying to get them into shape after a year of laziness, goofing off, or skipping classes to go the farm. Form 3 in Besease was caned everyday for a week because of their poor performance on the National Mock exams. Including the best students. No one was spared. Even their parents were brought in to witness the caning, as a way to encourage the parents to encourage their kids. Or at the least, to encourage the parents to take better control of their kids (because some these kids just don’t care and defy their parents at every opportunity).

Ghana is developing. It is at the interesting stage of development where opportunities are beginning to arise for those educated and driven enough to harness them. Hence this push for education. For some people, the score received on the BECE’s can determine how their life will turn out. Sampson’s 15 year old kid brother, Rockman (coolest name ever), has to be one of the smartest kids I know here. He has taught me more Fante than anyone else and attends a very prestigious school on a scholarship. And he has been drilling himself to death. Literally. Sometimes he doesn’t eat or sleep. His dream is to study outside Ghana, and if he doesn’t perform, that won’t happen easily.

So to my serious students living in a Korea-Ghana, I wish you all the best on your exams this week. Kick ass. But don’t kick your own ass trying to kick ass. Remember to take care of yourself too. Because test scores can only bring you so far, especially in a country full of petty corruption. Sometimes it’s your creativity, critical thinking skills, networks, and gumption that get you the places you need to be.