INTRODUCTION

The Goldfields Ghana Foundation visited the University of Cape Coast (UCC) as part of its annual monitoring exercise to assess the progress of its scholarship beneficiaries and engage with University Management. The Foundation’s scholarship initiative targets students from communities where Goldfields operates, aiming to build local capacity and improve employability through access to higher education. The objective of the visit was to monitor progress of beneficiaries, strengthening collaboration with institution and exploring opportunities for additional Support

The Goldfields Foundation prioritizes regular engagement with its scholars to ensure the effectiveness of its scholarship program. During the visit to UCC, the Foundation focused on assessing the academic performance and personal development of the 40 sponsored students currently enrolled. These students were selected from communities within Goldfields' operational areas to address educational disparities and promote local empowerment. The monitoring process involved direct interactions with scholars, providing an opportunity to understand their challenges, aspirations, and overall progress. This approach not only helps the Foundation tailor its support to meet scholars' evolving needs but also holds scholars accountable for maintaining high academic standards and demonstrating commitment to personal growth.

MEETING WITH MANAGEMENT

As part of the visit, the Team from Gold fields interacted with Management. They lauded UCC’s management for their consistent support, particularly in facilitating interactions with university leadership and scholars. Recognizing the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable educational outcomes, the Foundation emphasized reinforcing its collaboration with UCC. The relationship between Goldfields and UCC has been marked by mutual respect and a shared vision of empowering students through education. These engagements have fostered open communication, allowing both parties to align their efforts effectively. The Foundation reiterated its commitment to deepening this partnership by exploring joint initiatives and addressing emerging challenges, ensuring the scholarship program remains impactful and aligned with its objectives.

The Executive Secretary, Mr. Abdel – Razak Yakubu stated that in line with its mission to broaden access to education, the Foundation is exploring mechanisms to extend its financial support to other needy students at UCC who are not part of its primary scholarship program. Many students face significant financial barriers, and UCC’s Student Financial Support Office frequently encounters cases of extreme need. To address this, discussions were held about establishing a general support fund. This fund, managed by UCC, would provide financial assistance to disadvantaged students based on need and merit. The Foundation expressed its openness to considering proposals for this initiative, demonstrating its commitment to expanding its reach and making a meaningful difference in the broader student community. A cheque of One Hundred and Forty – Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty Ghana Cedis (GH¢ 143,340.00) being the sum of tuition fee cover for beneficiaries in the 2024/2025 academic year was also presented to the Registrar Mr. Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye (Esq).

Issues discussed with management centered on:

1. The university’s commendable efforts to facilitate the Foundation’s visits and maintain open communication.
2. Challenges faced by scholars, particularly financial constraints, and how both parties could work together to address them.
3. Opportunities for future collaboration, including the establishment of a general support fund for needy students.

ENGAGEMENT WITH BENEFICIARIES

After the meeting with Management, the Executive Secretary and his Team interacted with their beneficiaries at the Students’ Financial Support Office Conference Room. They emphasized the importance of:

1. Academic excellence and maintaining high-grade performance.
2. Developing essential soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and assertiveness, which are critical for success in the job market.
3. Building strong professional and social networks, with the Foundation citing personal examples of career advancement through networking.
4. The Foundation reiterated its goal of ensuring that 70% of its sponsored graduates are either employed or pursuing further studies by 2028. To achieve this target, initiatives such as graduate training programs and workshops on entrepreneurship and soft skills will be expanded

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the financial support and shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, providing valuable feedback to the Foundation.

GOLD FIELDS FOUNDATION TO DONATE TO UCC

The Foundation expressed the possibility of creating a lump-sum fund that will be managed by the Students’ Financial Support Office to assist other disadvantaged students who do not fall under the primary scholarship program. UCC was encouraged to submit a formal proposal, which would be reviewed at the Foundation’s board meeting on 10^th December, 2024.

 OBSERVATIONS

5.1 Scholar Performance and Engagement

The Foundation noted gaps in their (beneficiaries) soft skills and assertiveness. These were           identified as areas for improvement to enhance employability.

5.2 Student Awareness of Resources

Many students were unaware of support systems and opportunities available to them on campus, such as counseling and career services. UCC management was encouraged to enhance student orientation programs.

5.3 Broader Impacts of the Scholarship Program

The program has significantly contributed to reducing financial barriers for students from mining communities, providing them with opportunities to excel academically and contribute to societal development.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Some recommendations are as follow:

1. The need to Expand Support to Needy Students. Establishing a general fund to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds who do not fall under the Foundation’s primary scholarship coverage is a measure advised to be considered by the foundation.
2. Enhancing the Career Development Programs. Increase the frequency and scope of soft skills and entrepreneurship workshops for scholars, ensuring alignment with academic schedules.
3.  Collaborate with UCC to synchronize scholarship disbursements with registration periods to minimize delays.
4.  Conduct regular awareness campaigns to encourage students to utilize available support services, such as career counseling and internship programs.

CONCLUSION

The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between Goldfields Ghana Foundation and UCC. Through this collaboration, the Foundation has positively impacted the lives of scholars by providing financial support and facilitating personal and professional development. Looking forward, the Foundation remains committed to improving the program's efficiency and exploring new ways to support the broader student community. These efforts align with its long-term vision of empowering young individuals and fostering sustainable development in its operational areas.