UMaT Pro-VC commends Gold Fields Ghana Foundation investments in education
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology Tarkwa (UMaT), has advised beneficiaries of the 2024 Gold Fields Ghana Foundation scholarship scheme, to prove to the sponsors that they merit it as they enter the various universities.
He believes many students relax after they get such backing.
Professor Anthony Simons urged the students not to relent on their efforts but strive hard to succeed.
Professor Simons was giving a brief address at a ceremony held at Tarkwa Tuesday, May 7, 2024, for 125 needy but brilliant students, who were drawn from the Gold Fields host communities.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor commending the mining firm for its interest in investing in training and education also called on the beneficiaries, not to disappoint their parents as they have every opportunity to succeed.
“Each and everyone of you should count yourselves fortunate for your enrollment onto the scheme this year. It is said that to whom much is given much is expected. Therefore, every right or privilege has its corresponding responsibilities. You were carefully selected for this scheme so that your dreams will materialise. You have no excuse not to succeed”, he stated.
In its bid to see members from the host communities attain a higher education and meet the current job market requirements, the foundation has so far this year, pumped $36 million into various forms of education for members of the host communities. This includes the Graduate Training Programme, Host Community Apprenticeship Programme, Mine Apprenticeship Training, Heavy-Duty Equipment Programme, and Precision Welding Training Programme.
Additionally, the Foundation in partnership with the Canadian Organisation for Development through Education (CODE) aims at enhancing reading and comprehension skills in 37 public schools within the Tarkwa and Damang mine catchment area, targeting students from grades P1 through P6.
This year alone, the Foundation’s total investment in these communities has exceeded $100 million, spanning several sectors like health water and sanitation, education, and agriculture.
These, are purposed to foster sustainable socio-economic development within the host communities of the Tarkwa and Damang Mines.
On the sideline of the event, the Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Abdel – Razak Yakubu in an interview stated that the foundation since its establishment in 2004 has produced several professionals from the host communities.
He believes the impact of the investments is what they pride themselves of.
Mr. Abdel – Razak Yakubu noted that, “today, we have produced a number of Teachers, Engineers, Doctors, and more who come from our host communities.
Giving statistics of beneficiaries this year the Regional Manager, Community Relations of Gold Fields Mr. Robert Siaw revealed that the females outnumber the males by 54 percent.
“54 percent of the selected beneficiaries are female, with the remaining 46 percent being male. Notably, this year’s distribution of beneficiaries reveals that 65 percent are pursuing Engineering programmes, 25 percent are enrolled in other science-related programmes such as Information Technology, Environmental Sciences, and Nursing. Midwifery, Medicine, Pharmacy and more with the remaining 10 percent pursuing humanities and business-related programmes”, Mr. Siaw stated.
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has set aside a budget of approximately US$88,212.52 has been allocated to cater for payment of school accommodation/hostel fees and other approved academic materials for 125 beneficiaries in the academic year.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to this reporter were excited they got the opportunity to be sponsored by Gold Fields Foundation to have their dreams come through.
