More than 400 Hulede Foundation Scholarship beneficiaries at KNUST have been called upon to serve as transformative leaders and role models, using their knowledge, skills, and influence to create lasting positive impact in their communities through service, leadership, and mentorship.
The call was made during the 2026 edition of the Foundation's annual “Time with the Beneficiaries” program, which brought together over 420 scholars, foundation management, university officials, alumni, and mentors under the theme, “Go Make a Difference and Transform Lives.”
Welcoming participants, Mrs. Theodora Oduro, Senior Assistant Registrar, recounted the Foundation's longstanding partnership with KNUST and highlighted its significant impact on students over the years. She noted that the Foundation's focus on mentorship, skills development, and giving back to society has created opportunities for beneficiaries to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Mrs. Oduro also expressed appreciation to the University Management for providing additional financial support to students whose scholarships do not fully cover their academic expenses.
She thanked Mr. John Hulede, Mr. Patrick Hulede, and the Hulede Foundation family for their continued support of students at the University.
Delivering the keynote address, Ing. Patrick Addai encouraged beneficiaries to understand that creating positive change does not require wealth or high positions. He advised students to carefully assess community challenges and engage relevant stakeholders before implementing projects to ensure sustainability and maximum impact.
The guest speaker, Mr. Andrew Appiah Darkwah, an alumnus, shared his educational journey from KNUST to Prairie View A&M University in the United States. He encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the numerous support systems available at the University and seek mentorship opportunities that can guide their academic and professional development.
Founder of the Foundation, Mr. John Hulede, urged the beneficiaries to embrace teaching as a powerful tool for community transformation. He encouraged them to devote considerable time to teaching during their community service engagements, stressing that education remains one of the most impactful ways of empowering communities.
Mr. Hulede explained that his passion for teaching stemmed from the influence of his mother, a schoolteacher, whose work demonstrated the profound and lasting impact educators have on future generations. He also encouraged beneficiaries to join the Foundation's mentorship groups to benefit from advice and support from experienced professionals.
A major highlight of the program was the presentation of community impact projects by some beneficiaries. The projects included educational outreach programmes and environmental sanitation initiatives, demonstrating the students' commitment to serving their communities.
