Odame Awal to Revamp the KNUST Work and Study Program
Odame Awal, a candidate vying for the office of President of the KNUST Students’ Representative Council (SRC), is on a mission to revitalize the Work and Study Program, a critical initiative that was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His campaign emphasizes the significant benefits this program has offered students, providing them with invaluable work experience and financial support.
The Work and Study Program at KNUST was a lifeline for many students. It allowed them to work part-time with various institutions on campus while continuing their studies.
This initiative not only helped alleviate the financial burdens on students and their families but also offered practical experience that complemented their academic learning.
An anonymous student, who benefited from the program during their second year, shares their experience: “The Work and Study Program was a game-changer for me. I was assigned to work part-time at one of the banks in the commercial area. The income I earned helped cover my expenses, significantly reducing the financial strain on my parents. Moreover, the practical experience I gained was invaluable.”
Before the pandemic, students were placed in various roles across campus. Some worked with the KNUST Printing Service, others as hall porters, and many more in the university’s hospital and security service.
The diversity of roles provided students with a wide range of experiences, enhancing their skills and preparing them for their future careers.
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“The program gave us hands-on training,” the anonymous student continues. “Business students worked in banks, media students honed their journalism skills at Focus FM, and public relations students were employed by the University Relations Office. Nursing and medical students gained experience at the university hospital, and physical education students worked with the KNUST Wellness Center. It was an opportunity to apply what we learned in class in real-world settings.”
Odame Awal is passionate about reinstating this program because he recognizes its long-term benefits.
He believes that the Work and Study Program not only helps students financially during their studies but also provides them with substantial work experience that can make them more competitive in the job market.
“Imagine being on this program from your first year to your fourth year,” he says. “By the time you graduate, you have four years of work experience. Add your national service, and that’s five years. This kind of experience is crucial in securing a good job with a decent salary.”
Awal asserts that there are plenty of job opportunities available for students, but many lack the necessary skills and experience to qualify. “It’s not just about having a degree,” he explains.
“The Work and Study Program equips students with practical skills and experience that make them more attractive to employers.”
The disruption caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of such initiatives. Awal’s plan to revamp the Work and Study Program aims to restore and enhance this vital support system for students.
“The program was already in operation before the pandemic, and we need to bring it back stronger than ever,” he emphasizes.
By championing the revival of the Work and Study Program, Odame Awal aims to create a more supportive and enriching environment for KNUST students.
His vision is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain practical experience, reduce their financial burdens, and build a solid foundation for their future careers.
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