The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has welcomed a delegation from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Foundation at the Council Chamber.
The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in integrating the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST.
“The Foundation decided that involving our scholars in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award scheme will toughen them and align with our goal of fostering ethical and transformative leadership,” Professor Kofi Owusu-Daaku, Coordinating Lead and Principal Investigator (P.I) of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST, noted that stated. “We have 100 scholars eager to engage in this initiative.”
Mr. Edwin Kimani, Global Operations Director for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Foundation, recounted the origins of the collaboration, noting that discussions between the Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Foundation and the President of the Mastercard Foundation in 2020 laid the groundwork for this partnership.
“They realized their work complemented each other, particularly in empowering young people through education and leadership development. Incorporating the Award into the scholars’ program ensures that when students graduate, they do not just leave with a prestigious university degree but also the internationally recognized Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award,” Mr. Kimani explained.
Outlining the framework of the Award, Mr. Kimani noted that it is a Non-Formal Education and Learning initiative designed to help young people discover their purpose, place, and passion in the world.
“The Award has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each requiring participants to complete four sections: Skills Development, Community Service, Physical Recreation, and an Adventurous Journey. At the Gold level, participants must also undertake a Residential Project. The Gold Award, for those over 16 years, requires a minimum of 18 months of participation, or 12 months for Silver Award holders. The Adventurous Journey section encourages young people to think critically about their future, set goals, and develop resilience,” he elaborated.
He added that Ghana is the fifth African country to integrate the program, with KNUST leading its implementation in the country.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with KNUST on this project. We plan to enroll 100 scholars in the first year, another 100 in the second year, and subsequently expand the program university-wide,” he stated.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and the university’s management, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor David Asamoah expressed KNUST’s enthusiasm for the partnership.
“KNUST thrives on forging strategic partnerships that align with our vision of holistic student development. This collaboration will equip our scholars not only with academic excellence but also with vital leadership and life skills,” Professor Asamoah remarked.
He looked forward to officially formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding between KNUST and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award scheme.
Accompanying the Global Operations Director were Mr. Peter A. Anum, Executive Director of the Head of State Award Scheme-Ghana, and Mr. Robert Quarshie from the Head of State Award Scheme-Ghana.
