The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) played host to the “Taking Them Along (TtA) Season 3.”
It is a programme initiated by the Kloma Gbi Youth Network, composed of natives from the Yilo and Manya Krobo Municipalities, with a variety of professional backgrounds from academia, medicine, media/communication, agriculture, law, and engineering. The youth use the group as a learning curve.
More than 150 learners and their teachers from eight schools, both public and private participated in the programme. Among the distinguished guests were the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson and the Registrar of UESD, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyapong.
The event was co-chaired by the Akosombo Divisional Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent Doris Akua Grant and the President of the Krobo Association of Washington DC, Mr. Julius Akuetteh Fergusson.
Mr. Akuetteh Fergusson explained that, the ‘’Taking Them Along (TtA)’’ is a specially designed educational mentorship initiative for basic schools in the Krobo area. The main goal is to provide a forum for eminent experts to engage with younger people, provide them with inspiring motivation to strive for greatness and assist them with their education.
The Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyapong, in her welcome address, shed light on the role of mentorship in shaping the lives and aspirations of young people. She emphasised the significance of providing children the chance to follow their dreams and have great dreams.
The Guest Speaker, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson commended Kloma Gbi for putting together the event. He highlighted UESD’s commitment to community engagement, emphasising its role as a school of the land and its dedication to supporting local educational initiatives.
The Vice Chancellor, took a moment during his address to provide a brief history of UESD. He stated that the University started with 78 students and now has about one thousand students enrolled throughout its four streams (Levels 100, 200, 300, and 400). He noted that since the University’s founding, the Management of UESD has visited Senior High Schools to educate them about the University and the Programmes on offer.
Moreover, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson revealed ongoing efforts to engage with Junior High Schools in the Municipalities. He proudly mentioned his sponsorship of an award for the most disciplined student at the Methodist Junior High School for five years.
Prof. Nyarko-Sampson also shed light on the community challenge initiative, where students in basic 4-6 identify environmental issues within their communities and propose solutions through essays, artworks, and artefacts. The initiative, not only fosters environmental awareness but also encourages active participation from students in addressing local challenges.
Additionally, he discussed UESD’s initiatives, such as the annual Hope Road Show, aimed at fostering integrity and core values within the University community. He urged the students to uphold honesty and integrity in their endeavours.
In a bid to inspire the youthful audience, the professional counsellor at Creer Guidance and Counselling shared his path from the modest beginnings of his educational career which included attending University Practice Senior High School, Komenda Teachers Training College, and the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he studied undergraduate courses and eventually graduated with a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology.
He stated that he pursued a Ph.D. because he was determined to become a professor, and he eventually worked his way up to become the Vice-Chancellor of UESD.
Professionals from the Komla Gbi network gave captivating presentations and motivational speeches to the attendees. The sessions provided the students insightful information on a range of school options and career routes, enabling them to make well-informed judgements about their goals for the future.
The participants were treated to engaging presentations and pep talks from professionals of the Komla Gbi network. The sessions provided valuable insights into various career paths and educational opportunities, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future aspirations.
