The University of Environment and Development (UESD) has posted its second batch of students into communities within and around its environs to undertake its Community Based Experiential Learning (CoBEL) programme.
The programme began last year with the pioneer students. This year, more than one hundred students have been posted to communities in the Yilo and Manya Krobo Municipalities.
At the ceremony held in the Auditorium, Multi-Purpose Building on Monday, 30th October 2023 to dispatch the students, the Ag. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Pof. Edward Wiafe Debrah noted that CoBEL is a unique programme that bridges theory and practice and also offers an opportunity for the students to gain knowledge by engaging with members of the communities and making a positive impact.
He urged the students to embrace the diversity of perspectives, challenges and opportunities they will encounter. He said, through dedication and hard work, they can bring about meaning change and create lasting connections with the communities. While wishing the students well, Prof. Wiafe Debrah urged them to cherish the bonds they form and learn from the people they meet.
The Head of CoBEL Coordinating team and who is also the Head of Department of Applied Economics, Dr. Emmanuel Nartey Angmor touched on the grading aspect of the programme and how it will influence their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA). He advised them to consult their coordinators whenever they need help.
The Head of Department of Geography and Earth Science, Dr. Shine Gbedemah and the Ag. Dean of Students, Dr. Daniella Sedegah took turns to advise the students to concentrate on the mission in the communities and not engage in acts that will be compromise their values. They were charged to respect the traditions and customs of the communities they will be living in and be attentive to their surroundings.
Meanwhile the Yilo Krobo Health Directorate and a Senior Administrative Assistant at the Community Engagement and Project Innovation Unit (CEPIU) of UESD, Mr. Jedidiah Koomson have donated two hundred and fifty (250) Mosquito nets to the University in support of the CoBEL programme.
The mosquito nets were received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson at the Council Chamber accompanied by the Registrar of UESD, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, Head of CEPIU, Mr. Daniel Ofori-Mintah, Dean of Students, some members of faculty and Executives of the Students Representative Council, SRC.
Making the presentation, the Disease Control and Malaria Control Officer, Mr. Samual Ofori said, currently, the National Malaria Programme is using various strategies to lessen the burden of malaria across the country. One key plan is the use of the bed net.
He noted that it is the desire of the Directorate to see people sleeping under bed nets throughout the night, and that will prevent the spread of malaria. The donation to CoBEL therefore was to help protect the students from malaria.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson expressed gratitude for the gesture. He expressed the hope that the nets will go a long way to protect the students from mosquito bites.