Challenge
The University of Ghana faced growing concerns about student welfare, including financial insecurity, lack of access to essential academic tools, and the need for comprehensive support systems to address these challenges. The task was to develop a sustainable, holistic welfare scheme that would address these multifaceted needs.
Solution
As the Project Consultant of the UGSRC Welfare Scheme, Managing Director of Dekklatt Limited, Divine Edem Kwadzodeh led a diverse team of stakeholders, including members of the executive and legislative bodies of the university’s student government, former and current student leaders, and representatives from various student associations, to design and implement a comprehensive welfare programme. This effort entailed:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Planning and executing consultations with Junior Common Rooms, Departmental/School Student Associations, the Association of Students with Special Needs, and University Management to gather ideas and refine the welfare programme.
- Policy and Framework Development: Crafting a detailed proposal that was reviewed and approved by the UGSRC General Assembly, University Management, and the Governing Council of the University of Ghana.
- Programme Design: Establishing two flagship programmes:
- The Financial, Logistical, and Food Assistance Programme, which offers financial aid, free laptops, and food support to students in need.
- The Education Assurance Plan, a life insurance policy that provides financial security for students and their families in cases of death or total disability, ensuring continuity of education.
- Strategic Fundraising: Securing grants and building long-term donor relationships to ensure the sustainability of the scheme.
- Operational Setup: Setting up the Secretariat of the Welfare Scheme, including designing operational workflows, training staff, and ensuring general management efficiency.
Board Advisory Services: Providing strategic advisory services to the Welfare Scheme’s Governing Board, ensuring sound decision-making and long-term sustainability.
Impact
- Education Assurance Plan: Over 60,000 undergraduate students at the University of Ghana are now covered by a life insurance policy, providing financial security for unforeseen circumstances such as the death or disability of a fee-paying guardian.
- Comprehensive Student Support: In just the first year, over 500 students directly benefited from financial aid, laptop distribution, and food assistance, alleviating immediate challenges and enhancing their academic experience.
- Recognition of Excellence: The Welfare Scheme is regarded as a pioneering model of student-driven welfare at tertiary institutions, combining innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic foresight.