Department of Geography Education Marks 2024 GEOSA Week
The Department of Geography Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has marked its 2024 Geography Students Association (GEOSA) Week with a series of dynamic seminars and a public lecture designed to empower students and open doors to career opportunities in the field of geography.
The week-long celebration offered students a wealth of resources and insights, focusing on critical topics such as pathways for regular migration of skilled workers to Europe, green entrepreneurship, green skill migration to Germany, and strategies for studying abroad at the postgraduate level. It also highlighted Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programmes and underscored the importance of women’s empowerment within the discipline of geography.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW and chairman of the public lecture emphasised the importance of mentorship and youth empowerment as essential ingredients for success. Drawing from his own experiences, he discussed the profound impact of supportive relationships and guidance throughout his career.
Prof. Mitchual reflected on his time with the UEW Governing Council from 2014 to 2018 and his involvement in establishing the monthly research series, which attracted diverse presenters and participants. He expressed pride in contributing to initiatives that foster growth and development, especially among the youth.
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the significance of paying attention to detail and nurturing young talent, as they are the future leaders and innovators. He urged students to recognise the critical role mentorship and support play in achieving their goals.
His Excellency (H.E.) Irchad Razaaly, Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, delivered a keynote lecture that underscored the importance of EU-Ghana relations and the potential for collaboration. His presentation highlighted the role of geography in promoting international relations and sustainable development, emphasising the need for a global perspective in today's interconnected world.
H.E. Razaaly provided an overview of the European Union (EU), detailing its history, institutions, and role as a global leader in promoting peace, security, democracy, green growth, and smart cities. He explored the EU's relationship with Africa, particularly Ghana, focusing on four key areas: prosperity, peace and security, migration and mobility, and multilateralism.
The Ambassador highlighted the EU's commitment to supporting Ghana's development, citing initiatives such as Ghana's potential permanent seat at the G20 and the EU's role as a major trade partner, investor, and aid provider.
He also pointed out opportunities for Ghanaian students and professionals, including scholarships and mobility programmes, stressing the importance of collaboration in health, industrialisation, and regional security.
Prof. Adjoa Afriyie Poku, Head of the Department of Geography Education, welcomed the distinguished audience, emphasising the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in shaping the future of education and fostering global understanding.
She encouraged students to seize global opportunities, noting that geography transcends borders and connects cultures. Prof. Poku highlighted that studying abroad offers students the chance to experience this interconnectedness firsthand, enriching their academic journey with real-world international experiences.
She further noted that the 2024 GEOSA Week was designed to broaden students' perspectives, challenge their thinking, and inspire new ways of understanding geography's pivotal role in shaping our world.
The event also featured a study abroad fair, with representatives from esteemed institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Campus France, Erasmus+ Programme, the Australian High Commission, and Botho University of Botswana, offering students valuable insights into global education opportunities.
