UEW Key for Ghana’s Development – German Ambassador
The German Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency (H. E.) Daniel Krull, has asserted that the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) is a pivotal institution for the development of Ghana.
He said the growth of countries in today’s world is no longer based entirely on raw materials but mostly on knowledge. He urged UEW, as the leading teacher education university in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, to continue to play the crucial role of unleashing the enormous brain power in Ghanaians.
“It’s pivotal for the future of Ghana, and I see a very bright future given the number of bright people here in this country. In Europe and Germany, the industry is in need of skilled personnel all over Europe. In Germany alone, the industry needs 400,000 new skilled personnel each year,” he stated.
H. E. Krull made the remarks at a seminar on scholarship opportunities in Germany for non-Germans. It was organised by the German Unit at the UEW to observe the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Information Day celebration. The seminar, held at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room, UEW, on Tuesday, 30th May, 2023, was supported by the Department of French Education, the Faculty of Foreign Languages Education (FFLE), and the Centre for International Programmes (CIP).
The German Ambassador to Ghana underscored the need for the government to make it possible for Ghanaians to spend at least two years abroad learning about the customs, opportunities, and standards there and then come back to help the country support its growth and development.
The Dean of CIP, Prof. Charles Assuah, made participants aware of the DAAD scholarships available and how to apply for them. He highlighted the advantages of scholarships.
“Scholarships can help international students feel welcome and integrated into the academic community. Scholarships can help international students thrive in their studies and build a foundation for success in their future careers. Scholarships allow students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, acquire new languages, and develop a fresh perspective on the world. Scholarships enable students to develop crucial life skills such as independence, flexibility, and international communication.
“Scholarships provide students with a better understanding of international issues, foreign affairs, and immigration issues. Scholarships provide students with opportunities for unique cross-cultural experiences. Scholarships provide financial muscle for benefactors to go through their education. It exposes one to the world as a global citizen and creates lifelong opportunities in the world of work. I will urge you to feel relaxed and be very attentive during the presentations,” he advised.
The Dean of FFLE, Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey, stressed the significant future potential the seminar would bring, including opportunities for additional studies in Germany and cross-cultural interactions. She recounted the benefits that DAAD scholarships and exchange programmes had brought to scholars and students at UEW and FFLE.
“The organisation has constantly provided the Unit with human capital and other resource support. Currently, we have Mrs. Anett Geithner, who has been very supportive. She is full of energy and eager to bring positive transformation to the German Unit. I want to take advantage of this platform to thank the DAAD for promoting staff and students for the French Department and the German Unit of the Faculty,” she indicated.
Prof. Rebecca Akpanglo-Nartey disclosed her outfit’s determination to ensure that the German Unit gets the required accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to run a degree programme in German.
“We call for more and deeper partnerships, particularly to establish the Department of German Language and equip it with the material and human resources to keep it going. I believe this workshop is the right step in ensuring more collaboration with the DAAD and the German Embassy,” she affirmed.
The Dean, School of Creative Arts and Chairman for the seminar, Prof. Emmanuel Obed Acquah, expressed excitement about the university’s partnership with DAAD to highlight scholarship options available to both staff and students. He urged participants to remain active.
The seminar showcased study and research opportunities in Germany to students and staff of the university community. It underlined finding study options for master’s, doctorate, and post-doctoral positions, as well as research stays and opportunities in Germany. There were presentations on "Erasmus+ and Erasmus Scholarships, Research Options in Germany for PhD and Postdocs, and Study and Scholarship Options in Germany for Students".
