This is part of GFGF’s scholarship and bursary programme, which has financed the education of over 360 needy but brilliant students since its inception in 2004.
Twenty-seven out of the 65 students were granted full scholarships, while the other 38 were given bursaries to cover the entire period of their education, either at the senior high school (SHS) level or at the tertiary level.
Scholarship beneficiaries at the SHS level were entitled to GHS1,500, while those on bursary were entitled to GHS750 annually. At the tertiary level, scholarship beneficiaries were entitled to GHS2,200, and those on bursaries, GHS1,100 annually.
The beneficiary selection process is undertaken by a scholarship committee, comprising representatives of the Damang mine, Ghana Education Service (GES), assemblymen from the host communities, and traditional authorities, against an agreed critieria.
The Community Affairs and Public Relations Manager of the mine, Mr. Abdel-Razak Yakubu, reiterated the mine’s commitment to the development and welfare of the host communities, in spite of the operational challenges confronting the mine. He said: “It is satisfying to note that over 65% of our scholarship and bursary beneficiaries are in gainful employment, and at least four of them are medical doctors who deliver quality healthcare to Ghanaians in different parts of the country. So we know that our support to these brilliant young men and women go a long way, even beyond our immediate communities.”
Nana Kofi Enyan, Gyasehene of the Damang divisional stool, commended Gold Fields for the mine’s continuous assistance and contribution to education, health, water and sanitation, and other infrastructural development in host communities.
Grace Ainoo, a parent, encouraged all parents and guardians to take special interest in the education of their wards and not leave the entire burden of their children’s education on Gold Fields.
The ceremony to present the scholarship and bursary award letters was well attended by the beneficiaries, their parents and guardians, assembly members, queen mothers, chiefs, and a representative of the district director of education.
Source: Gold Fields
