The Ghana Grows High School Next Level initiative recently held its tenth event at Sunyani Senior High School, where final-year student Eric Okyere was honoured as the best student in Agriculture. His recognition came with a citation, cash prize, hamper, job readiness books, and other souvenirs from the Ghana Grows team.
The Ghana Grows Programme, a collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and the Springboard Road Show Foundation, aims to bridge the gap between young people and the agricultural sector. It seeks to empower students to reimagine their futures and pursue careers aligned with their passions and talents.
At each of the ten schools covered so far, the programme has featured young entrepreneurs, career guidance coaches, and counsellors sharing opportunities with the students. The events include practical demonstrations and edutainment, with students participating in drama, poetry, debates, fashion shows, and dance performances. A highlight of the programme is the awards segment, where selected students are rewarded for academic excellence, discipline, comportment, and innovation.
Mrs Comfort Ocran, Executive Director of the Springboard Road Show Foundation, noted that over 15,000 students have participated in the programme so far, demonstrating their readiness to explore new opportunities and reshape their perceptions about agriculture and technical and vocational education and training (ATVET).
The keynote speaker at the Sunyani event was Mr Kofi Vinyo, Chief Executive Officer of Kovi Organics Limited. Despite facing physical disability, Mr Vinyo has built successful agribusiness ventures in the Bono Region, supporting over 30,000 out-grower farmers. His company produces and processes tiger nut powder, snails, and other local foods for domestic consumption and export. Impressed by Eric Okyere’s academic progress and excellence in agriculture, Mr Vinyo rewarded him with a cash prize of GH¢500 and a life-changing opportunity to work in his company.
This initiative underscores the importance of nurturing young talent in agriculture and providing them with opportunities to excel in the sector.
Reference:
Graphic Online. (2024, June 18). Best Agriculture student from Sunyani SHS gets job through Ghana Grows High School Programme. Retrieved from https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/education/best-agriculture-student-from-sunyani-shs-gets-job-through-ghana-grows-high-school-programme.html
