Founders of Educational Pathways International (EPI), Mr. Leonard Lafrance and Mrs. Sara Lafrance have visited the University of Ghana to interview applicants of the EPI Scholarship. After the process, 12 new students have been added to the 24 already on the scheme.
As part of the visit, the team paid a courtesy call on the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare.
There were discussions about how the scholarship has benefited over 200 students since its inception at UG in 2012, as well as plans for expansion in the coming years.
Prof. Gordon Awandare welcomed the team and expressed gratitude for the partnership established between EPI and the University of Ghana, through the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO).
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare
He stated that financial assistance for students' education is a growing need in light of the government's free SHS policy, which has made secondary education accessible, putting pressure on the university to accept more students, with some students requiring financial assistance to enroll.
He noted that the University of Ghana was a highly sought-after tertiary institution, and it was therefore a huge privilege for those who were able to access support from the EPI scholarship program to gain admission in the University of Ghana.
He commended the benefactors on behalf of the students for their ongoing support in the field of education and asked for continued collaboration.
Mrs. Sara Lafrance, in her remarks expressed appreciation to the University of Ghana and Student Financial Aid Office for the collaboration and support that has helped to keep the scholarship program running in the university.
(L-R) Mr. Leonard Lafrance and Mrs. Sara Lafrance
She pointed out that the scholarship program offered by EPI was extensive and covered tuition, accommodation, books, monthly stipends, and soft skill programs with the goal of relieving recipients of any financial burden and completely transforming the recipients into people who would make a difference in society.
She further explained that EPI scholarship students created platforms for interaction between new and continuing students to foster a sense of family among the beneficiaries, as well as an alumni association to allow them to stay in touch with one another and take on humanitarian projects in the community.
She indicated that the interview selection process and administration of EPI scholarships to new students for the 2022/2023 academic year was a successful one.
Further deliberating on the soft skills program under the scholarship scheme, Mrs. Lafrance explained that programs and seminars are organized on a monthly basis and is aimed at refining beneficiaries on a variety of areas and skills necessary for their careers in the future.
In his remarks, Mr. Leonard Lafrance expressed appreciation to the University for its collaboration in helping to select the right candidates for the scheme.
He mentioned that the EPI scholarship program is committed to improving the mechanisms and procedures for selecting beneficiaries of the scheme as well as the expansion of the scheme to accommodate more beneficiaries in the subsequent years.
Mrs. Selina Torrison Saaka, Head of the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO) in giving her remarks stated that that the selection process for the EPI scholarship scheme is usually targeted at students from less endowed backgrounds as the support was very relevant for students of that area.
Mrs. Selina Torrison Saaka, Head of the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO)
She expressed her appreciation to the EPI officials for their unflinching commitment to the noble cause of improving the academic lives of students who are handicapped financially in accessing education.
Also present at the meeting were Mrs. Emelia Agyei Mensah, Registrar and Ms. Pascaline Songsore, Senior Assistant Registrar, Public Affairs Directorate.
Later in the day, a luncheon was also held to introduce the new beneficiaries to the Educational Pathways International community, allowing for socialisation and networking.
In his remarks at the luncheon, the Vice-Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Charles Wiafe-Akenteng, urged the recipients not to take the opportunity for granted and to strive for academic excellence.
He encouraged them to work hard and be successful in their careers, as well as to return to help other brilliant but needy students in the future.
Some continuing students who are recipients of the EPI scholarship scheme shared experiences about how the scholarship helped them advance academically and influenced their overall personalities.
