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By Reuben Sei Waylaun
An innovative learning process known as the Universal Concept Mental Arithmetic System (UCMAS) has been launched in Liberia with Education Minister expressing delight for the program.
UCMAS is a modern representation of an ancient art of mental arithmetic that has been adapted into programs to help stimulate children’s brain activity. Established in 1993, UCMAS is an after school mental arithmetic program for children between 4- and 14-years. UCMAS program is designed to boost brain power and stimulate young minds using abacus and mental arithmetic in a way that children find engaging and fun.
Speaking Wednesday at the launch of UCMAS in Monrovia, Education Minister Prof. Ansu Sonii said the introduction of UCMAS will enhance Liberian students’ capacity to think faster and smarter.
“I believe that this will build the capacity of the young people of Liberia and will be the dream team that the country needs to develop. The concept is right and timely and processes that will strengthen the education system shouldn’t be rejected and we welcome you to this country. It is my privilege to launch the UCMAS to the school system and we encourage our schools across the country to accept and I know it wouldn’t go like a wide fire. But we will accept it gradually as we go along as a country,” Minister Sonii said.
He said Liberia has very sharp young people who just need the opportunity and platform to perform better.
The President of the Liberia Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Wendell Addy, said the incorporation of UCMAS is part of the many efforts aimed at transforming the economy.
Aside from business, he said the Chambers of Commerce will work with all sectors including the educational sector, noting that education is a key contributor to economic growth and development.
“The chamber is in the process of helping to transform our economic and we intend to work with all sectors, basic and elementary levels aim at improving our educational system and the economy of our country. We are marketing the chamber of commerce. I want to urge all of you; educators, to take advantage of this new program at your various schools,” he added.
The Director of UCMAS-Ghana, Mr. Girish Gurban said the program is a new education concept for children that makes students to learn faster.
He said the objective of UCMAS is to develop the brains and mental capacity of children between 4-14 years in order to make their brains more active, thereby becoming innovative and creative.
He explained that at the mentioned ages, the brains of children are developed and as such; it is the appropriate time to train them.
Gurban said Liberian teachers will be trained to implement the program in Liberia with trainers coming from abroad.
He explained that the program has 10 levels which can be completed between 4-10 years.
Gurban was accompanied to Liberia by an 11-year-old Ghanaian who is also benefiting from the program in that country.
Little Prince Adu-Adjei demonstrated before the exuberance guests what he has learned from the program since he joined UCMAS.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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