Programmatic Design and Implementation of Activities to Support Social and Emotional Learning in Ghana

Access to holistic education is a key component of ensuring children achieve better life outcomes. When Social and Emotional Learning – centered around core competencies like self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making – is integrated into teacher training and on the ground at primary schools, students are set up to succeed, achieving higher rates of literacy, and reaching their full potential. 

Pencils of Promise tasked the Columbia SIPA Capstone team to evaluate the model of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) implemented in PoP schools throughout Ghana to evaluate strengths and opportunities for improvement. The Capstone team was specifically asked to review best practices in the field of SEL globally, conduct interviews with a variety of stakeholders with proximity to SEL, and make recommendations to update the SEL manuals used by teachers in the field. As part of the research, the team conducted interviews with SEL experts and practitioners to gain insights regarding the development and evolution of SEL over time, including guidelines for implementing SEL in diverse cultural contexts. The team also traveled to Ho, Ghana, to observe classroom activities and interview PoP teachers and staff in order to craft recommendations aligned with Ghanaian cultural, local priorities, and current needs. The team’s recommendations included a proposal for modifications to the SEL manuals, a handout to circulate among PoP families explaining SEL, a proposal for future quantitative analysis, and the creation of a new activity to strengthen SEL programming in PoP schools.