Key Takeaways
- The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) partnered with HUSS Petroleum and other organisations to host a two-day school engagement programme for pupils of Anomabo Methodist, Anglican and Catholic Basic Schools.
- The programme aimed to promote responsible festival participation, child safety, cultural pride, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills.
- The event was held on May 12 and 13, 2026, as part of a community outreach initiative linked to research findings on the Okyir Festival of Anomabo in the Central Region.
- The programme focused on sensitising pupils on responsible festival participation and provided hands-on TVET skills training.
The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has taken a commendable step in promoting responsible festival participation and cultural education among school-going children. The institution, in partnership with HUSS Petroleum and other organisations, organised a two-day school engagement programme for pupils of Anomabo Methodist, Anglican and Catholic Basic Schools.
The programme, held on May 12 and 13, 2026, aimed to equip pupils with knowledge on the cultural significance of the Okyir Festival while promoting responsible behaviours associated with festive periods.
Background & Context
The Okyir Festival is a significant cultural event celebrated in the Central Region of Ghana, particularly in the Anomabo community. The festival serves as a platform for promoting culture, unity, business opportunities, community identity, and youth learning. However, research findings have also highlighted negative social influences linked to festivals, including peer pressure, indiscipline, poor sanitation, substance abuse, and unsafe conduct among young people.
In response to these concerns, UPSA, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders, has initiated a community outreach programme to promote responsible festival participation and cultural education among school-going children.
The programme seeks to equip pupils with knowledge on the cultural significance of the Okyir Festival while promoting responsible behaviours associated with festive periods. This includes sensitising pupils on child protection, gender-based violence, personal safety, and responsible conduct during festivals.
Day One Focus: Safety And Responsible Festival Participation
The first day of the programme focused on sensitisation and awareness creation on responsible festival participation. The UPSA team presented findings from a community survey on the Okyir Festival, highlighting its role in promoting culture, unity, business opportunities, community identity, and youth learning.
The presentation also identified negative social influences linked to festivals, including peer pressure, indiscipline, poor sanitation, substance abuse, and unsafe conduct among young people. Pupils were encouraged to demonstrate positive behaviours such as respect for elders, cultural pride, cleanliness, teamwork, and responsible use of social media.
Officers from the Ghana Police Service, specifically the Mankessim Divisional Command, educated pupils on child protection, gender-based violence, personal safety, and responsible conduct during festivals. The session was led by ASP/Rev. Hayford Alavi, Divisional Crime Officer, with support from PW/C/Insp. Vida Collinson Coffie.
Day Two Focus: Practical TVET Skills Training
The second day of the programme introduced pupils to hands-on TVET activities facilitated by FRAME Educational Consult. Pupils produced items such as slippers and ribbons, demonstrating creativity, teamwork, and the importance of skills training for self-confidence and future employability.
Facilitators included Professor Alexander Preko, Dr. Theophilus Gyepi-Garbrah, and Dr. Patricia Muah, who commended the pupils for their active participation and encouraged them to serve as ambassadors of discipline, safety, and responsible festival behaviour.
Support And Sponsorship
The programme was supported by school heads of the participating basic schools, alongside the Catholic priest of Anomabo Catholic School. It was sponsored by UPSA, HUSS Petroleum, Amplio Ghana, Ghana Link Network Services Ltd, Tanink Ghana Limited, Gaso Petroleum Ltd, Affluence Global Ltd, and other partners, including several PhD students of UPSA.
The organisers expressed appreciation to facilitators, sponsors, the Ghana Police Service, teachers, pupils, and community leaders, and reaffirmed commitment to sustaining similar engagements that combine cultural education, safety awareness, and practical skills development.
Looking Ahead
The success of the programme is a testament to the commitment of UPSA and its partners in promoting responsible festival participation and cultural education among school-going children. As the institution continues to engage with the community, it is likely to have a positive impact on the lives of pupils and the broader community.
The programme serves as a model for other institutions and stakeholders to emulate, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting cultural education and safety awareness among young people.
Image Source: https://www.adomonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/image-939.png
0 Comments
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!