UEW TfD Majors Launch Four Innovative Community Projects
Final-year Theatre for Development (TfD) major students at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have embarked on an initiative, launching four innovative projects aimed at addressing critical societal challenges across various communities.
These efforts, which range from promoting education to fostering sustainable practices and boosting local economic growth, highlight the students' commitment to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The first project targets truancy among children in Mankoadze. Recognising the critical link between education and future opportunities, this initiative aims to address the root causes of absenteeism and promote regular school attendance. The project collaborates with schools, parents, and local authorities to create a supportive environment that enhances the learning experience for students and significantly reduces dropout rates. As part of their interventions, the project implementers also inaugurated a reading club within the community to encourage reading among basic school students.
In Gomoa Akotsi, a community-led initiative is promoting recycling practices. Through the formation of the Mutatio Foundation, the project conducts awareness campaigns, waste management workshops, and establishes recycling centres. This initiative empowers residents to take active steps toward environmental sustainability. The project engages with the community and provides necessary resources to address waste management issues and foster a sense of environmental stewardship among residents.
Another project focuses on enhancing the market value of Gomoa Okyereko local rice. Â The initiative highlights the unique qualities of locally produced rice and works with farmers to improve production techniques, aiming to increase the competitiveness of local rice in the market. Through effective branding and marketing strategies, the project aims to create a niche for Gomoa Okyereko local rice products, benefiting both farmers and consumers and supporting the local agricultural economy.
In Ekumfi Otuam, the Nsakyera Foundation is fostering entrepreneurship and creativity. Utilising theatre as a tool for social change, this project empowers individuals to explore their entrepreneurial potential and develop essential skills for success. Through interactive workshops, performances, and skill-building activities, participants are encouraged to think innovatively, collaborate effectively, and pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions with confidence.
Prof. Evans Asante, the supervisor of the four projects and Vice-Dean of the School of Creative Arts at UEW, highlighted the importance of students making an impact in communities before completing their studies. "Theatre for Development, as a course, focuses on impacting communities using theatre as the base. We believe that education should have a tangible impact even while students are still in school. That's why, during their long-year projects, we want them to go into communities and implement these impactful initiatives," he affirmed.
Prof. Asante explained that TfD students undertake community development projects to equip them with project management competencies and fund-sourcing skills. He noted that contacts had been established in each community to ensure the sustainability of the projects. He also underscored that Theatre Arts goes beyond stage performances. "The Department of Theatre Arts offers more than just training to become a stage actor or comedian. Communities can be fostered even through a stage play. It can be used to build an upright person and an upright society," he stated.
The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to make a tangible difference in their communities and for the support and guidance provided by their supervisors. The launch of these projects marks a significant step towards addressing societal challenges and underscores the transformative power of theatre in community development.
