“Unlocking Potential: Guidance and Coaching Initiative at Obuasi Basic School”
Determining the right or appropriate course to study after Junior High School has been a daunting task for most Junior high school students and their parents or guardians.
Often, most students at the basic education level do not have the right guidance to enable them make informed decisions about choosing courses that align with their strengths and interests, leading to appropriate career choices.
It is for this reason that AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, through the Educational Improvement Programme of their 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), has rolled out a comprehensive Academic Guidance and Personal Development program in selected schools in Obuasi.
In October, the Programme’s maiden edition was held at Obuasi’s Sanso M/A JHS where students were taken through various modules of ways to make the right academic and career choices. It targets students from primary six (6) to JHS 3.
Buoyed by the successes of the maiden edition, AngloGold Ashanti decided to roll it out to include other public schools in both the Obuasi East and the Obuasi Municipalities.
Explaining the rationale behind the program at a session held for students of Jimiso kakraba M/A, Esther Agyeiwaa Akoto Social Development Officer of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine said the career guidance and personal development programme seeks to address numerous challenges that impede the academic performances and personal growth of the students.
She mentioned that the programme was to help students to develop effective study skills, time management and organizational strategies.
Through the Mine’s Employee Volunteer Programme (EVP), which encourages staff members to engage with and support the host communities, employees of AngloGold Ashanti were on hand to take the students through various academic guidance and coaching strategies.
The involvement of staff members is strengthening ties with the communities, while empowering the students to take charge of their educational journeys and personal growth.
On the possible outcome of the intervention, Ms. Akoto said it will help improve academic performance and retention rates of students and also enhance their personal skills that contribute to overall well-being and success.
A circuit supervisor at the Obuasi East Municipal Education Directorate, Joseph Nunoo, talked about the relevance of guiding students at the pre- senior high school level to make good career choices.
He said in the world of abundant opportunities, it was important for students to get the right coaching to enable them to navigate that path seamlessly.
“ This is where career guidance and counselling are essential for these children at this level. I commend AngloGold Ashanti for coming out with this program which will serve as a beacon of light to shape the students to make good decisions about their career path”, he added .
The participating students averred that the program has broadened their horizon on how to manage their time and make good decisions.
The career guidance and counselling programme is one of several interventions implemented by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine to improve quality of education in Obuasi and ensure accessibility.
These include the construction of a modern 9-unit classroom block at Sanso, upskill training of teachers at the basic level, supply of text books to basic schools, donation of sanitary pads to school girls and the construction of examination printing centres for the Obuasi East and the Obuasi Municipalities.
