UEW Strengthens Global Partnerships in Education, Healthcare and Cultural Exchange
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) is deepening its international collaborations through a strengthened partnership with the city of Charlottesville, Virginia.
This alliance, aimed at fostering educational exchanges, healthcare support, and cultural ties, was reaffirmed during a courtesy call on the management of UEW by a high-level delegation from Charlottesville.
Leading the delegation, Nana Akyempomg-Ghartey highlighted the significance of the sister-city relationship, which had facilitated various developmental initiatives over the years. He noted that both Winneba and Charlottesville are educational hubs, housing UEW and the University of Virginia, respectively, making the partnership a natural fit for academic cooperation.
“This collaboration has not only strengthened cultural exchanges through events like the Fancy Dress Festival and Aboakyir Festival, but has also paved the way for valuable academic and healthcare support. We are excited about the upcoming visit of the Mayor of Charlottesville, which signifies the growing bond between our communities,” Nana Akyempomg-Ghartey stated.
A significant initiative emerging from this partnership is the formalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UEW and the University of Virginia. This agreement is designed to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, promote joint research projects, and enable the sharing of academic resources. A delegation from Winneba is anticipated to travel to Charlottesville in the forthcoming months to formalise this collaboration.
Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, reiterated the university’s commitment to partnerships that drive academic excellence and community development. “At UEW, we believe that strategic collaborations are key to achieving our mission of training highly skilled professionals. Beyond teacher education, we equip students with vocational and STEM skills, preparing them for a rapidly evolving global workforce,” he remarked.
Prof. Mitchual underscored the necessity of external support in advancing the facilities at the UEW, with a particular focus on STEM education and healthcare. He indicated that an $800,000 donation of medical equipment from a U.S.-based organisation is currently in progress, which will significantly enhance the capabilities of UEW's newly constructed hospital. Furthermore, he proposed the establishment of a system wherein medical experts from Charlottesville could periodically visit Winneba to provide specialised healthcare services.
During the visit, the delegation toured UEW’s new hospital facility, which is set to become a key healthcare centre in the community. The Vice-Chancellor noted that acquiring modern medical equipment remains a priority and called on international partners to assist in bridging the resource gap.
“This hospital is a game-changer for the university and the surrounding community. Our goal is to provide top-tier healthcare services while training the next generation of medical professionals. Support from our global partners will be instrumental in realising this vision,” he added.
Beyond academia and healthcare, the partnership also extends to community development and youth empowerment. Through the Vice-Chancellor’s Special Initiative Programme, UEW is training young people in vocational skills such as bead-making, tiling, and painting. The initiative aims to foster self-reliance among the youth, reducing dependency and promoting entrepreneurship.
As discussions continue, both UEW and Charlottesville remain committed to expanding the scope of their collaboration. The anticipated signing of the MoU will mark a new chapter in their relationship, ensuring long-term benefits for both institutions and their respective communities.
The university community is encouraged to stay engaged with these developments as UEW continues to establish itself as a centre for global academic excellence and impactful community service.
