The Ghana University Administrators Union (GAUA) on September 1, launched an initiative entitled Raising Next Professionals’ Initiative (RNPI) to help bridge the gap between senior administrators and professionals of public universities and public-school learners. The initiative aims at bringing career counselling activities, professional engagements, and employment opportunities to these schools. The RNPI is open to all schools nationwide but focused on select schools in university neighbourhoods.
Launching the initiative at Adaklu Kodzobi DA Basic School, which has been adopted by UHAS-GAUA, Dr. Beth Offei-Awuku (at podium), National President of GAUA, said the initiative has become important at a time when graduate unemployment is on the ascendency: “GAUA wishes, by this initiative, to restore hope and vision to the average public-school child and to groom tomorrow’s leaders with the critical thinking skills and abilities to be able to break this crippling mentality of graduate unemployment.”
She noted that GAUA with its mix of senior university administrators and professionals, among whom are specialists and consultants, can build the needed mentoring relationships or act as role models to these learners. She added that partnering with the Ghana Education Service to roll out the initiative would help raise ethical professionals, as GAUA is noted for zero tolerance of corruption.
Speaking on behalf of the Adaklu District Director of Education, Mr. Prosper Agbanu (below 3rd from left) said the initiative not only guides the learners to a future full of promise and purpose but also empowers them to discover their passions, strengths and interests. He applauded GAUA for recognizing the significance of early career guidance and choosing Adaklu Kodzobi DA primary school out of the lot: “You have an incredible opportunity to shape the aspirations of young minds and your guidance will undoubtedly influence the choices of these young ones and the trajectories of their lives.”
The Registrar and other members of UHAS Management took turns motivating and speaking to the students about their various career paths.
Mr. Charles Kugbeadzor, Headteacher, Adaklu Kodzobi DA Basic School (above 2nd from left), said the school’s primary focus is the holistic development of learners and career guidance plays an integral role in shaping their future beyond the walls of the classroom. He noted that career guidance helps shed light on various industries, job profiles, and the skills required to excel in life thereby helping the learners to make informed decisions about their future, and create a clear sense of direction, while reassuring them that they are not alone on their journey.
Togbe Dzegblade IV, Chief of Adaklu Kodzobi (seated middle) lauded GAUA for such an initiative and promised to give the support needed for this initiative to succeed in his community.