The nature of the school system is one which poses a lot of opportunities to all and sundry thus everyone has a choice in being a part of an association or society outside the classroom setting.
I have read a number of pieces about the University structure and diverse articles but it’s quite intriguing how no one has focused on the extracurricular side of the school system.
Here in our university, KNUST, more than 30 associations are available under the auspices of the Sports Directorate. Not to talk of those which are independent of the Sports Directorate’s supervision.
It’s with much enthusiasm that I find this peculiar topic a very sensitive one to be discussed since it seems to be very necessary but mostly ignored by students on various basis.
Quite a huge investment is made by the school’s administration in these various societies on campus.
To begin with, I have had the chance to be exposed to a number of social groups and societies, some which I have been a member of and others that I have heard a great deal of things that they are doing to impact the lives of students.
The Enactus KNUST, KNUST Debate Society (KDS), KNUSTStudents’ Activist (KSA), KNUST Students’ Parliament House (KSPH), The various media groups on campus, Old Students’ Association of various Senior High School, TESCON, TEIN, other political associations, Sports associations (Tennis groups, Volleyball teams, football and basketball teams, School sport team and many more), Study groups, and many more are amazing groups that every student should be exposed.
The focus of these groups is based on the narrative of creating safe spaces for all students to have a space of belonging where they can share ideas, partake in tournaments, address student issues, develop their skills and interact enough to build their social life and intellectual capacity.
The perspective in which this article focuses on is tuned towards the point of addressing the student populace on approaching such opportunities on campus and get themselves abreast with current issues and productive social programs and also network with as many people as they can on their stay on campus.
I find this article as a clarion call on all stakeholders and leaders of various social and intellectual groups as a point of reflection where it’s high time their endless and productive support to build the various sector of the student life be recognized and appreciated.
Moreover, as students of this noble University, it’s high time that our involvement in diverse activities outside the classroom or academic work got a level of relevance since it is through these groups that we build our social capital and create an environment where we can be productive intellectually outside our books and get involved in the country and the world as a whole where we can learn new skills or develop our talents and knowledge as well as build our capacity and also be active in making right decisions through the information that we get exposed to during such important discourse in these associations and societies.
Furthermore, before any of these associations or student groups can carry on their activities successfully, it will be dependent on how much support and attention that the school’s administration decides to give to them.
Thus, as a humble plea to all stakeholders, it will be very much appreciated and beneficial to all if the needed help and attention is given to these groups since they have an influence in the lives of students.
With regards to the impacts that these extra-curricular activities pose on the lives of students and the school as a whole, I believe if much attention and investment are channeled into these fields, a lot of benefits will be achieved. I am Ninnette Bediako and I believe the people matter!!