UEW Chaplaincy Holds 2024 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Chaplaincy lit up the holiday season with its annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, held at the School of Creative Arts (SCA) Theatre, Central Campus, UEW, on Thursday, 19th December, 2024.
This event rooted in tradition, brought together members of the university and surrounding community for an evening of joyful music, scripture readings, and festive celebration.
The event started with an exhilarating performance by the Senior Staff Association – Universities of Ghana (SSA-UoG), setting a lively tone for the evening. Their uplifting carols resonated throughout the hall, leaving the audience clapping and singing along.
Prof. Yaw Sekyi-Baidoo, a distinguished scholar from the Department of English Education at UEW, delivered an electrifying carol performance that captivated the audience, inspiring them to rise to their feet and dance with joy. His soul-stirring rendition received thunderous applause, setting a reflective tone for the rest of the evening.
The Department of Music Education added to the evening's musical diversity with harmonious renditions that showcased the talent of UEW students, making it clear that the university community is not only educationally vibrant but also culturally rich. The UEW Branches of the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA-UEW) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UEW) also lent their voices to the celebration, demonstrating unity among various staff factions through shared melodies.
Interspersed between the musical performances were the nine scripture readings, delivered by distinguished members of UEW Management and various staff associations. These readings reflected the Christian foundation of the event and wove together themes of hope, love, and community, resonating deeply with all attendees.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere was electrified by the exuberance of the crowd. Attendees, filled with joy and enthusiasm, took to the floor, dancing and celebrating the festive spirit in a vibrant display of community togetherness. The infectious energy permeated the event, encouraging even the most reserved guests to join in the celebrations.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, who delivered his Christmas message at the event, called on staff and students to embody the values of unity, compassion, and integrity as they celebrate the Christmas season. He emphasised the significance of the season, saying it is a time that fills hearts with hope, love, and gratitude.
"The story of Christmas is one of humility and reconciliation, values that resonate deeply with us as a university community," he said.
Prof. Mitchual reflected on the journey of the institution, highlighting the progress made in enhancing the academic and digital experience of students and staff. "We have launched innovative platforms, resolved pressing issues, and strengthened the foundations of our university's future—all while staying true to our mission of producing competent professionals for national development."
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the university community to rededicate themselves to the vision of making UEW a beacon of educational excellence in Ghana and beyond. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students for their dedication and hard work, saying their contributions lay the groundwork for the future the university envisions.
Prof. Mitchual also acknowledged the support of the Effutu, Ajumako, and surrounding communities, saying their steadfast support continues to inspire and strengthen the university. He wished the university community a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, joy, and endless possibilities.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at UEW not only celebrated the rich traditions of the university and its community but also recharged the spirits of all participants as they embraced the season’s message of hope and joy. The strong turnout and the enthusiastic participation demonstrated the event’s importance in fostering unity and goodwill among all members of the university community.
Attendees at the event left the auditorium with warmth, grateful for the sense of belonging and the cherished memories created that night. The UEW Chaplaincy's Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols proved once again to be a highlight of the festive season, reminding us of the power of community and the joy of shared traditions.
