The Directorate of Student Affairs (DoSA) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the KNUST Counselling Centre (KCC), has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to inaugurate the Ambassadors for Students with Disabilities (ASWiD) Programme. The event took place on June 13, 2024, at the Great Hall of the University under the theme "Empowering Abilities: Fostering Inclusivity and Support for Persons with Disabilities."
In her address, the SRC President, Ms. Yvonne Adobea Osei highlighted the initiative's aim to promote equality, support, and empowerment for students with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive and supportive University Community. She emphasised the establishment of a mentor-mentee system to ensure individualised support for students with disabilities, thereby eradicating discrimination and extending care and accountability within the diverse student body. Ms. Osei also appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to allocate accommodation for the ambassadors and pledged the SRC's full support for the initiative.
Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, congratulated the newly appointed ambassadors and reaffirmed the University’s commitment and dedication to an all-inclusive and supportive environment. She reiterated KNUST's belief that every student, regardless of abilities, deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential and excel. The Vice-Chancellor cited several initiatives, including the KNUST Disability Policy and the Equality and Diversity Policy, as evidence of the University's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity. She encouraged the ambassadors to be champions of change and highlighted that KNUST has over one hundred and fifty (150) differently-abled students, the highest number among universities in the country. She expressed gratitude to the organisers and urged the ambassadors to be advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Professor Wilson Agyei Agyare, Director of DoSA, revealed that KNUST has made substantial provisions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), such as specially designed rooms in campus hostels and the opportunity for PWDs to stay in the SRC Hostel for the duration of their studies with a chosen roommate. He mentioned that frequent training programmes would be organised to ensure the sustainability of this initiative and pledged his support.
Mrs. Victoria De-Graft Adjei, Head of the KNUST Counselling Centre, remarked that the initiative promotes quality education, inclusivity, and equality. She encouraged students to seek help from the KCC and stressed the importance of recognising everyone's different abilities without prejudice.
In a panel discussion, Professor Marian Asantewah Nkansah, Deputy Director of Student Affairs and Patron of the Students with Disability Association (SWDA), reiterated KNUST’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for PWDs, complete with necessary resources. She mentioned the appointment of a Disability Champion to coordinate support activities and an Advisory Committee chaired by a person with a disability. The University's provisions to support brilliant but needy students and students with disabilities, including fee waivers, accommodation support, food bank, and clothing bank, were also highlighted.
Ms. Doris Asante, Vice-President of the SWDA, advised the Ambassadors to take their roles seriously and manage their time effectively to prevent negative impacts on their academic performance. She also stressed the importance of using respectful language and creating a friendly environment for students with disabilities in the University.
Mr. Kwabena Ntim, a businessman, discussed the stigmatisation faced by PWDs and addressed challenges such as accessibility, and offering potential solutions. He encouraged students to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Kofi Jantuah, the Chief Counsellor at the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST administered the oath to the Ambassadors, marking the formal commencement of their roles.
