UG students received Educational Pathways International Sponsorship: Mr. Leonard Lafrance and Mrs. Sara Lafrance, the founders of Educational Pathways International (EPI), interviewed candidates for the EPI Scholarship when they were on campus at the University of Ghana. Following the procedure, the 24 students previously enrolled in the program have gained 12 additional students.
On their visit, the team paid Prof. Gordon Awandare, the pro-vice-chancellor for academic and student affairs, a courtesy call.
The scholarship’s impact on more than 200 students since it was established at UG in 2012, as well as future development plans, was discussed.
Prof. Gordon Awandare welcomed the group and conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration formed between EPI and the University of Ghana through the Student Financial Aid Office (SFAO).
He claimed that the demand for financial aid for students’ education is increasing as a result of the government’s free SHS policy, which has increased access to secondary school and put pressure on the institution to accept more students, some of whom need financial aid to enroll.
He pointed out that the University of Ghana was a highly sought-after tertiary institution and that students who were able to get funding from the EPI scholarship program to achieve admission to the University of Ghana were therefore extremely fortunate.
On behalf of the students, he thanked the sponsors for their sustained assistance in the sphere of education and requested continued cooperation.
In her comments, Ms. Sara Lafrance extended her gratitude to the Student Financial Aid Office at the University of Ghana for their cooperation and assistance in sustaining the university’s scholarship program.
She emphasized that the comprehensive scholarship program provided by EPI covered tuition, lodging, books, monthly stipends, and soft skill training programs with the aim of relieving recipients of any financial burden and completely transforming the recipients into people who would make a difference in society.
In order to foster a sense of family among the recipients of the scholarships, she continued, the EPI scholarship recipients established forums for interaction between new and continuing students. They also established an alumni association to enable the recipients to maintain contact with one another and engage in charitable work in the neighborhood.
She claimed that the administration of the EPI scholarships to new students for the academic year 2022–2023 and the interview selection process were both successful.
Mrs. Lafrance went on to discuss the scholarship program’s soft skills component, explaining that monthly workshops and seminars are held with the goal of enhancing beneficiaries’ knowledge of a range of topics and abilities crucial to their future employment.
Mr. Leonard Lafrance thanked the University in his remarks for working with him to choose the qualified candidate for the program.
He stated that the EPI scholarship program is committed to both expanding the program to include more beneficiaries in the coming years as well as strengthening the systems and processes for choosing recipients of the scheme.
He stated that the EPI scholarship program is committed to both expanding the program to include more beneficiaries in the coming years as well as strengthening the systems and processes for choosing recipients of the scheme.
In her statement, Mrs. Selina Torrison Saaka, Head of the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO), emphasized that students from less affluent families are typically chosen for the EPI scholarship program because the support is quite relevant for students in that area.
She appreciated the EPI authorities for their steadfast devotion to the worthwhile attempt to improve the academic life of students who are financially disadvantaged in receiving an education.
Also in attendance were Mrs. Emelia Agyei Mensah, Registrar and Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate.
A luncheon was hosted later in the day to socialize and network with the new recipients as well as introduce them to the Educational Paths International community.
Dr. Charles Wiafe-Akenteng, Vice-Dean of Student Affairs, encouraged the beneficiaries through his remarks at the luncheon not to take the opportunity for granted and to attain academic success. He urged them to put in the necessary effort, succeed in their careers, and come back in the future to assist other outstanding and worthy students.
Some EPI scholarship recipients who are still enrolled in classes talked about how the award improved their academic performance and shaped their whole personalities.
