The University of Mines and Technology in partnership with Ladies in Mining and Allied Professions Ghana (LiMAP-Gh) and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited (AAIL) has successfully hosted the second edition of its annual mentorship programme, ‘Start Right, End Well’. The programme, held on 2nd February, 2023, aimed to assist first-year students of the Tarkwa Campus to transition smoothly into university life and maximize their potential.
The Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah in his welcome address expressed appreciation to LiMAP-GH and AAIL for their continued sponsorship and contribution in support of grooming fresh students of the University. He noted that the ‘Start Right, End Well’ mentorship programme is one of many important programmes introduced by the University to promote student development.
The Vice Chancellor also revealed that in line with the University’s effort to promote quality engineering education, the University had introduced various courses such as critical thinking, general psychology, and financial education to sharpen students' cognitive skills to help them solve everyday problems, understand human behaviour, and acquire good financial management skills.
Commenting on the theme for the 2023 edition of the programme, the Vice Chancellor said that it is a crucial time for the freshmen to learn how to navigate life on their own. One of the major areas the University is working on is the area of mental health, he said that because of this focus, the University has expanded the Counselling and Student Support Unit by engaging more counsellors to cater for the needs of students.
The Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd (AAIL), Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee who was the guest speaker for the event congratulated the first-year students on their successful admission into the University. He also commended the organisers of the mentorship programme for the inclusion of male students in the 2023 edition.
In his address, Mr Boakye Pobee said that AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited (AAIL) has remained committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all in line with the attainment of sustainable development goals. He said that over the years, AAIL has demonstrated continuous support for improved educational standards through the provision of infrastructure and other teaching and learning materials to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the host communities and the Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality as a whole.
Mr Samuel Boakye Pobee, Managing Director AAIL, Guest Speaker
Mr Pobee also mentioned that AAIL has made a conscious effort to bridge the gap between male and female employment hence, a 50% of the AAIL Scholarship has been allocated to qualified girls pursuing STEM-related programmes at the tertiary level. Mr Pobee added that, as part of this effort, AAIL will continue to collaborate with the University through the ‘Start Right, End Well’ and ‘Exit in Readiness’ mentorship programmes to prepare students for the job market.
Speaking on the theme, the Guest Speaker advised the first-year students to be purpose-driven in order to guide their choices and priorities. He said it is extremely important for students to know why they were in the University and remain purpose-driven from the beginning of their journey. He urged the students to live for their purposes because the industry needs innovative graduates with problem-solving capabilities and mindsets to work with. He also advised the students to go the extra mile in their studies by attending lectures, asking relevant questions in class and participating actively in group studies.
Briefing students on the demands of the job market, Mr Pobee advised the students to be self-disciplined and build collaborative skills since teamwork and collaboration are key to promoting a cordial environment. He explained that companies such as AngloGold Ashanti believe collaboration is the key skill to unlocking and sustaining their future and that they always look forward to welcoming and working with graduates who have developed that skill.
Also, as part of the programme, a counsellor and Assistant Registrar at the University’s Counselling and Student Support Unit (CSSU), Ms Peace Kploanyi gave a presentation on the theme. In her presentation, she highlighted purpose, planning and strategy.
Ms Peace S. Kploanyi, Assistant Registrar, CSSU,
She said that it is important for students to find their purpose in order to guide them to make good decisions in life. Ms Kploanyi stated that to find their purpose, there is the need to research their identities, culture, relationships etc., and engage role models or mentors for a deeper understanding of these purposes. Ms Kploanyi also coached the students on the need to plan and strategize. She said that students should devise strategies such as having a personal timetable to guide their itinerary, participating in active group studies, and joining associations and groups that will help develop their purpose.
The programme which was well attended by representatives of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited (AAIL), LiMAP-Gh as well as Staff and Students of the University, also included an interactive session to provide an avenue for resource persons and a panel to answer questions from the students.
