UEW Hosts ASAF Outreach Programme
The Centre for International Programmes (CIP) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), in collaboration with the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), hosted an impactful outreach programme to showcase the benefits of the Erasmus+ scholarship to staff and students of UEW.
The event, held on Friday, 26th July, 2024, at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room, highlighted the numerous opportunities offered by the European Union-funded Erasmus+ programme for African students, educators, and professionals.
The Erasmus+ programme is renowned for enabling participants to broaden their horizons through international education, training, and collaborations. This outreach event featured distinguished guest speakers and representatives from the Erasmus+ programme and partner institutions who provided valuable insights into the transformative impact of the initiative.
Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Esenam Anor, ASAF Co-Ambassador for Ghana, opened the event by discussing the significant benefits the Erasmus+ programme brings to academic and professional growth, cultural understanding, and the promotion of lifelong learning principles.
She acknowledged the fruitful partnership between UEW, the European Union, and the Erasmus+ programme, which has provided substantial benefits to students and faculty members through scholarships and grants. Dr. Anor emphasised her commitment to promoting the programme and encouraging young Ghanaians to take advantage of its opportunities, highlighting the importance of networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among African students and alumni through ASAF.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of UEW, Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UEW, underscored the significance of the Erasmus+ programme in bridging educational and cultural gaps across Europe and beyond. "Erasmus+ represents not just a set of opportunities but a vision for a more interconnected, understanding, and cooperative global educational landscape," he remarked.
Prof. Antwi highlighted the numerous benefits of the Erasmus+ programme, including cross-border exchanges, academic and cultural integration, and mutual respect and understanding. He encouraged students, faculty, and staff to actively engage with the opportunities presented by the programme, urging them to explore possibilities for study and work placements, consider the benefits of collaborative research, and participate in various Erasmus+ activities designed to enrich the academic community.
The event featured an insightful panel discussion led by Prof. Charles Assuah, Dean of CIP, and Dr. Jackson Lontchi, ASAF Communication Liaison. They explored the contribution of European Union-funded scholarships to the development of quality young talent, examining their impact on academic and professional growth, and the importance of networking and collaboration.
Mr. Misheck Samakao, ASAF Board Member in Charge of Capacity Building, delivered an in-depth presentation on European Union-funded mobility grants, guiding participants through the application process and highlighting the benefits of these grants. Ms. Thandiwe Majama, ASAF Liaison Officer in Charge of Membership Activation, emphasised the importance of building connections and collaborations through mobility in her address.
The event also included inspiring testimonials from Prof. Evans Asante, Dr. (Mrs.) Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan, and Dr. Felix Kwabena Donkor, who shared their international learning experiences and the numerous benefits of participating in Erasmus+ programmes, including opportunities for cultural exchange, academic growth, and professional development.
Additionally, Mrs. Anett Geithner, a German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) representative, and Ms. Lisa McClain-Afful, a Campus France representative, provided attendees with detailed information about DAAD scholarships and Campus France services, respectively.
The outreach programme concluded with lively discussions and engagement from participants, demonstrating a strong interest in the Erasmus+ opportunities. UEW and ASAF are paving the way for a more globally connected and culturally enriched academic community by promoting the Erasmus+ programme. They empower students and staff to achieve their academic and professional aspirations through international collaboration and exchange.
