Student Community Outreach
Linda Aterek
Community Service Work
My first Community service took place on the 29th of August , 2024. In a community in tamale Called Nyankpala.
Tamale is a place known to have motorcycles as 80 percent means of transportation. The rate at which motor accidents occur off late is alarming and many get injured badly on the head which probably leads to death, and one major factor is the lack of using helmets.
My targeted audience were motor riders and the aim is to educate and encourage them make it a normal ritual of putting on helmets when riding .
Generally, wearing a motor helmet is a simple yet effective way to significantly reduce the risk of head injuries and fatalities. It's a habit that should be cultivated by all riders.
My intake on wearing a motor helmet is:
Wearing a motor helmet is crucial for safety while riding motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles. Here's why:
1. HEAD INJURIES: Helmets reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 70% and fatalities by up to 37%.
2. BRAIN PROTECTION: Helmets absorb impact, protecting the brain from trauma and long-term damage.
3. VISIBILITY: Brightly colored helmets increase visibility, making riders more noticeable to other road users.
4. SAFETY STANDARDS: Wearing a helmet sets a safety standard for oneself and encourages others to do the same.
5. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: In many places, wearing a helmet is mandatory, and not doing so can result in fines or penalties.
6. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Wearing a helmet demonstrates personal responsibility and respect for one's own life and well-being.
7. ROLE MODEL: Wearing a helmet sets a good example for others, especially children and young riders.
Daniel Walker
Second Community Service
A brief detail of my second community service. In recent years, I have been extensively following the trending changes in the socio demographic attributes of localities in and around Kojokrom. From the current data I gathered from the nurses at the CHPS compounds of Amanteng and Ntaamakrom, the cases of STI's are currently on the ascendancy. Therefore, on two Sundays, 4th and 11th August 2024 I decided to extensively engage with the youth concerning this canker. I was able to speak to about 37 young people, all aged between 10 - 24 about issues of reproductive health and the practice of safe sex. For those individuals aged less than 18, consent was sought from their parents and assent from the participants themselves. For those who were still in school, I took the opportunity to advise them academically taking a cue from the Academic Advising Session we received periodically from the foundation. I believe I made an impact on their lives. I am of the fervent hope that the rising cases of STIs will drastically reduce after my intervention. I will follow up with the community nurses on my progress. Thank you.
Akua Dankwah
A report on my community service experience:
On 31st July, 2024, I began my community service at Trafalgar in Ho, Volta Region, embarking on a project dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and educating women on self-breast examinations.
This initiative stemmed from my observations during patient history taking, where I noticed a concerning trend: many women do not screen for breast or cervical cancer. Recognizing the critical importance of early detection, I decided to focus my efforts on empowering women with the knowledge and skills needed to perform self-breast examinations. Utilizing visual aids, I conducted interactive sessions where I demonstrated the step-by-step process of self-breast examination. I emphasized the importance of regular screenings and educated the women on the signs to look for, such as pain, lumps, or unusual nipple discharge.
Additionally, I encouraged them to seek medical attention promptly if they noticed any of these warning signs. The sessions also highlighted the significance of screening for both breast and cervical cancer, reinforcing the message that early detection can save lives. Overall, my community service experience was great.
It was an honor to contribute to health promotion and prevention efforts in the Volta Region. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of these women and to help raise awareness about the importance of cancer screenings. This experience would not have been possible without the support of the JEQ Foundation, to whom I extend my heartfelt thanks for their assistance.
Clifford Yeboah Duodu
Second Community Service
On Thursday, 25th of July, I embarked on my second community service for this year at the Suntreso Government Hospital, Kumasi. During this time, I had the opportunity to work and serve at the Child Welfare Clinic (CWC). I took time to assist in checking the height/length and weight of the infants and children that attended clinic that day. This was to monitor their growth and development on their early stages of life which is very important. I also helped educate mothers on regularly bringing their children to the clinic for vaccinations and nutrition guidance to help promote the growth of their children and help detect stunting in their children's growth and development.
I had a great sense of fulfillment after this service and much appreciation to Prof. Joseph Quansah and Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Quansah for supporting us massively in our educational goals and the platform to give back to our communities. God richly bless you and JEQ Foundation. Thank you.
Manfred Kudjoe
A report on my community service experience:
On 4th May 2024, I continued my HIV/AIDS education outreach at Ghana Senior High School, Tamale.
I focused more on the importance of the students getting screened for HIV, as most people rarely go for screening. After speaking to the students, I received a number of reasons why they rarely go for screening. These include the following:
1. They strongly believe because of their lifestyle there's no reason they can be infected with HIV, thus no reason to get screened.
2. Some were afraid to know the outcome of the test.
3. The screening involved pin pricking; few students were afraid of the process.
4. Some did not want to get tested because their friends did not want to.
5. Some just did not want to get screened for no reason.
I took my time to explain to them the importance of they getting screened, how it can affect them and the people around them. I helped debunk some myths around the HIV infection.
Ghana Aids Commission was organizing a free HIV screening for the students in the school that day. I was glad to note that the number of students who went for the screening increased greatly after I had spoken to them. The turnout was initially very low.
I can conclude public education is key if we want to battle HIV/ AIDS.
Attached are a few pictures I took during the outreach.
Thank you.
Elvis Djanduh Makafui
First Community Service
My First community service experience at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Central Region, specifically within the medical imaging department, took place on 24 April 2024.
During my time at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, I had the opportunity to work closely with patients, particularly those undergoing x-ray diagnostic examinations, including CT scans. Through my interactions with these patients, I observed that many of them harbored fears and misconceptions about the potential dangers of x-rays and the use of diagnostic machines. These fears often led to apprehension and reluctance to undergo necessary medical procedures.
In my role, I assisted patients in preparing for their x-ray examinations, with a focus on CT scans. I provided them with information about the procedure, reassured them about the safety measures in place, and addressed any concerns or questions they had. By offering guidance and support, I aimed to alleviate their anxieties and encourage them to proceed with the examination for their own well-being.
Furthermore, I collaborated closely with other healthcare professionals within the medical imaging department to ensure that patients received the highest standard of care. Whether it was assisting during examinations or providing post-examination support and reassurance, I worked diligently alongside the medical team to prioritize the needs and comfort of the patients.
Overall, my experience at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I have the opportunity to contribute positively to the well-being of patients, but I also gained invaluable insights into the challenges and complexities of healthcare delivery in our community.
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to engage in this meaningful community service experience, and I am committed to continuing my efforts to make a positive impact in the future.
Thank you for your continued support and for providing me with the opportunity to serve my community.
Second Community Service
As part of my ongoing commitment to fulfilling the community service obligations as a JEQ scholar, I undertook an awareness campaign focused on kidney health within my community in Oshiyie - Accra on the 29th of April 2024. This initiative was inspired by the commendable work of fellow JEQ scholar Samuel Coleman, who previously addressed this critical issue in his community.
Objective:
The main goal of my project was to educate community members on the causes and prevention of acute kidney injury, a condition that can escalate into chronic kidney disease necessitating expensive and life-sustaining treatments such as dialysis. I found this topic very important to talk about due to the sudden rise in kidney related health issues taking a lot of lives.
Activity Details:
I conducted a door-to-door awareness campaign where I engaged directly with the residents of Oshiyie. During these interactions, I shared vital information about kidney health, focusing particularly on the importance of early recognition and preventive strategies against kidney disease.
Key Points Addressed:
Firstly, I introduced to them the functions of the kidney and the consequences of having a damaged kidney. I proceeded to talk about the causes and preventive measures of Kidney diseases as well as some treatment therapies.
1. Causes of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):
Dehydration: Inadequate water intake can lead to reduced kidney function.
High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause damage to the kidneys over time.
Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which harm kidney tissues.
Overuse of Painkillers and Other Medications:** Certain medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can harm kidney tissues and impair their function when used excessively.
Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the kidneys and worsen existing kidney conditions
Obesity: Excess weight puts strain on the kidneys and increases the risk of developing kidney disease
2. Prevention Tips:
Hydration: Encouraged drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily to help kidneys flush out sodium, urea, and toxins from the body.
Healthy Diet: Promoted a diet low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods.
Regular Exercise: Discussed how regular physical activity helps maintain optimal blood pressure and sugar levels, which are crucial for kidney health.
Regular Medical Checkups:** Stressed the importance of regular checkups that help detect early signs of kidney stress or damage, allowing for timely intervention.
Impact and Community Feedback:
The campaign was met with appreciative responses from the community. Many residents were previously unaware of how lifestyle choices could impact their kidney health. The direct engagement provided them with actionable information that could lead to improved health outcomes. Several community members requested further information and expressed interest in additional awareness on the topic.
Third Community Service
I am writing to provide you with a detailed account of my third community service initiative I conducted as part of my obligations as a JEQ Foundation scholarship recipient. On May 10th, 2024, I had the privilege of organizing and leading a session on personal hygiene, with a specific focus on oral health, at Glorious Victory School in Bortianor.
Introduction:
The objective of the community service initiative was to educate the pupils of Glorious Victory School about the importance of personal hygiene, with an emphasis on oral health practices. In this report, I will discuss the activities conducted during the session and provide insights into how to maintain good oral health.
Activities:
The community service session began with a presentation on the significance of oral hygiene. I highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, emphasizing that good oral health contributes to overall well-being. The presentation covered several key aspects of maintaining good oral hygiene, including:
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Brushing Technique: I demonstrated the proper technique for brushing teeth, emphasizing the importance of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. I stressed the need to brush for at least two minutes, ensuring that all surfaces of the teeth are thoroughly cleaned.
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Flossing: I explained the importance of flossing in removing plaque and food particles from between teeth and along the gum line. I demonstrated the correct technique for flossing and encouraged the students to incorporate flossing into their daily oral care routine.
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Diet and Oral Health: I discussed the relationship between diet and oral health, highlighting the importance of limiting sugary snacks and beverages that can contribute to tooth decay. I encouraged the students to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for healthy teeth and gums.
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Regular Dental Check-ups: I emphasized the importance of regular dental check-ups for maintaining optimal oral health.
Outcome:
The community service session was well-received by both the students and the faculty of Glorious Victory School. The students showed great interest and enthusiasm in learning about oral health practices. They actively participated in the interactive activities and asked insightful questions.
Vera Ampomaa
29th February, 2024.
I visited Sogakope market in Volta Region on 28th February, 2024 to purposely educate some of the market women mostly those with perishable foodstuffs on food preservation. The activities were as follow:
1. Education on various methods of food preservation.
2. Education on the benefits of food preservation.
3. Listing of examples of some perishable and non-perishable food/foodstuffs.
4. Provision of handout containing descriptions of the various methods of food preservation, the benefits and the examples given.
During the education, I also learned the Ewe names of certain foodstuffs which I really appreciated. The education was successful and was really appreciated by the few people I visited. Thank you.
Gideon Yachim Nwati
MY FIRST SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AS A JEQ FOUNDATION SCHOLAR:
I had my first community service at Binagmado a small community in Kpandai district, Northern Region. During the dry season most people who want to build mud houses or renovate the old ones usually find conditions favorable during this part of the year. On Saturday January 12th, 2024 I decided to go to Binagmado community which was not very far from where I lived at that moment to support the indigens who were putting up new mud houses in the community. On that day we gathered some clayey and gravel soil that was to be used for building the mud house, but I had to sleep over as very early the next morning we will continue with the building process. The next morning, we proceeded with the building to a certain level, and we had to allow for it to dry before we could finish it up.
During all these activities, I took the advantage to talk to most of the indigens on the importance of enrolling their wards in school and some of the future benefits that may immerge from that. We also had very long conversations and debate on girl child education. I made them understand why it is very important to enroll girls in school by giving them several examples of women who achieved a lot of geat things through education and their impact to the society. Dr. Elizabeth Quansah was one of the women I used as an example and how she has been an impact in my life and many others. I encouraged them to enroll their wards in school as we are all looking towards to building a better Ghana.
In all, the work was fun and the conversation was impactful.
Gideon Yachim Nwati, A beneficiary of JEQ Foundation.
Clement Barrfo
Community Service Report: Social Media Addiction Awareness
Date: Friday, 9th February 2024
Location: University of Ghana, Legon
I embarked on my first community service endeavor at the University of Ghana, Legon, following the completion of my exams. The focus of this service was on raising awareness about social media addiction, a topic that resonated with me deeply after studying E-business and witnessing firsthand the pervasive use of social media among students.
According to recent statistics, there are approximately 5.04 billion social media users worldwide, with youth and students forming the majority. However, what struck me was that the primary purpose of this vast usage rarely aligns with learning or academic pursuits. It's become common to see students engrossed in their smartphones during lectures and library sessions, prompting me to address this issue directly.
Engaging with students, I discovered that while 99% claimed not to be addicted to social media, further discussion revealed otherwise. The majority of my audience were first-year students, chosen deliberately to educate them on leveraging social media positively during their time on campus.
I defined social media addiction as the fear, anxiety, and discomfort experienced when unable to access social media—a phenomenon often referred to as Nomophobia or smartphone addiction. This addiction can compromise privacy, expose individuals to exploitation, impact mental health, strain interpersonal relationships, disrupt sleep patterns, and contribute to various psychological issues.
During interactive exercises, students pondered over questions regarding their social media usage, revealing insightful realizations. Together, we explored strategies to mitigate Nomophobia, such as regulating notifications, limiting social media apps, and scheduling device usage.
Addressing a common query about using smartphones before bed, I explained the role of blue light emission in disrupting sleep patterns, shedding light on a prevalent but overlooked issue.
In addition to discussing social media addiction, I also shared a valuable resource with the students: the 2024 annual edition of Our Daily Bread. This book aims to positively shape their spiritual lives, offering guidance and inspiration amidst the challenges of modern-day living.
The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by the students were notable, with many pledging to share newfound knowledge with their peers. Despite highlighting the risks of social media addiction, I emphasized its numerous benefits in facilitating learning and personal development in the digital age.
In conclusion, I am grateful for the opportunity to impact valuable insights to my colleagues, particularly the first-year students. Moving forward, I encourage everyone to use social media responsibly, ensuring that our lives are not solely dictated by its influence. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and educate.
Warm regards,
Clement Barffo
Prince Asamoah Owusu
Second Community Service On Financial Literacy Education for Students:
On the 1st of September 2023, I embarked on a Financial Literacy Education Tour to two private and public schools in my community as part of my service to the community. The Financial Literacy Education Tour was an unequivocal success, leaving an indelible mark on students from the two schools in my community. This report encapsulates the key takeaways from the educational tour, emphasizing that financial literacy is not confined to the realm of finance professionals but is indispensable for all individuals. It elucidates how personal financial decisions influence the broader economy, highlighting the importance of cultivating a culture of investment and financial prudence. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for everyone to grasp the fundamentals of finance and the role of institutions like the central bank.
Key Insights
1) Financial Literacy for All:
The program aimed to dispel the misconception that financial literacy is solely for those pursuing careers in finance. Participants learned that decisions made by entities like the central bank impact everyone, making financial literacy a universal need.
2) Investment Oversight and Habit:
An emphasis was placed on the pivotal role that individuals play in economic development. Students were encouraged to develop a habit of investment oversight, as a thriving economy requires active and informed participants.
3) Staying Informed:
Students were advised to stay updated on current financial affairs and beyond. Being well-informed enables individuals to make sound financial decisions and adapt to changing economic circumstances.
4) Empowering Families:
A unique aspect of the tour was its encouragement for students to share their newfound knowledge with their parents and relatives. Many parents are involved in small-scale businesses, and equipping them with financial management skills can significantly impact the success of these ventures.
5) The Central Bank’s Far-Reaching Influence:
Understanding the central bank’s functions and its implications for personal finances is akin to unlocking a hidden superpower. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding savings, investments, and even everyday spending. By comprehending how central bank actions impact interest rates, job opportunities, and inflation, individuals can navigate these economic currents with greater confidence.
6) Preventing Exclusion:
Moreover, an essential aspect of financial literacy education is to prevent individuals from being left out of vital financial conversations. Those who lack financial knowledge may find themselves at a disadvantage, especially when it comes to accessing financial services, securing loans, or participating in investment opportunities. Informed individuals are better equipped to advocate for their financial interests and make the most of available opportunities.
Conclusion
The Financial Literacy Educational Tour successfully imparted essential financial knowledge to students, breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information. This initiative is a significant step towards creating a financially empowered generation that will contribute to the prosperity of our economy and society as a whole. By understanding the central role of financial literacy and the impact of institutions like the central bank, students are better prepared to make informed financial decisions, ensuring that no one is left in the shadows when it comes to financial well-being. Additionally, I presented gifts to some students who were able to answer questions in our everyday financial life.
Below are some pictures I took with the students.
Ahmed Abdul-Baseer
First Community Service Medical laboratory sciences, University of Ghana
Teen educational program on breast cancer and cervical cancer held at T. I. Ahmadiyya Junior High School. The introduction highlights the importance of educating teenagers about these diseases for early detection and prevention. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are briefly introduced, emphasizing their relevance to young women.
The program utilized an interactive learning approach, encouraging student participation in discussions and questions. Visual aids like pictures and videos were used to explain the diseases, risk factors, and symptoms. The focus was on prevention and control, emphasizing the significance of regular screening and early detection. Common misconceptions and myths were addressed to reduce fear and stigma.
The program aimed to empower young girls with knowledge that goes beyond the classroom, promoting health awareness and personal responsibility. It sought to make them advocates for their well-being and that of their peers, shaping their future choices and decisions.
Priscilla Sarfoah Osei
The Effects of Cockroaches on Household Health: A Community Service Report.
( MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY) KUMASI TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY.
On Sunday, 8th October 2023, I embarked on an educative community service in my community, Adweeho in Asante Mampong. I targeted Sunday because it is the resting day of most people since farming is their source of income. Cockroaches have one way or the other become a normal part of living in many homes in my community(Adweeho), because people are ignorant about their effects on our health. It was conducted to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of household pests, with a specific focus on cockroaches, on our health. I told them that because of the flat bodies, long antennae of Cockroaches, they have the ability to adapt to various environments. I brought to their knowledge that, cockroaches mostly live in dark places and cracks in walls and they are often considered pests as they can infest homes and carry diseases. I made the awareness that cockroaches do not have positive effect on our health and should not be welcome into our homes. I stated that cockroaches are known to carry and spread bacteria, pathogens, and allergens. And with explanation, I gave details on how they act to affect us negatively, that when cockroaches come into contact with food, utensils, or surfaces, they can contaminate them with their saliva, faeces, and shed skin. This can lead to food poisoning, diarrhoea, allergies, and respiratory issues, especially in individuals who are sensitive or have pre-existing conditions. Additionally, cockroach droppings and body parts can trigger asthma attacks in some people.
During this educative program, I educated them on some preventive measures which emphasized to combat cockroach infestations and minimize health risks:
1. They should maintain cleanliness and Home hygiene.
- Regularly clean and sanitize your living spaces, paying special attention to areas where cockroaches are commonly found, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Properly dispose of garbage and food waste.
2. They should Seal Entry Points:
- Identify and seal any cracks, gaps, or openings in walls, floors, and windows to prevent cockroaches from entering your home.
I concluded by stating that, because of our health, cockroaches should not stay with us and they should be treated as enemies. In all, the educative community service on the effects of household pests, particularly cockroaches, on our health highlighted the importance of taking preventive measures to combat infestations. Cockroaches can contaminate food, spread diseases, and trigger asthma attacks. By maintaining cleanliness and sealing entry points, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with cockroach infestations and promote a healthier living environment for ourselves and our communities.
Wiafe Mabel Afranewaa
On June 10, 2023, I participated in my first community service in Takoradi. My topic for the day was the proper treatment of vegetables for salads to prevent food poisoning. I visited three locations: the food vendors around Takoradi Technical University (TTU), the food vendors at Takoradi Market Circle, and finally, the Takoradi Accra station:
During my visits, I educated the vendors on the correct methods of washing vegetables for salads and the ideal conditions for serving salads. The choice of this topic was motivated by the fact that raw vegetables are used in salad preparation, and if not washed properly, they can pose health risks as they are consumed uncooked. It is crucial to wash vegetables under clean running water to remove pesticides effectively. For example, lettuce requires thorough washing to eliminate dirt and pesticides since it is consumed raw. Cabbage also needs special treatment due to the chemicals used on them. After washing the cabbage under clean running water, the outer two layers should be removed, followed by finely cutting it and soaking it in water with vinegar for a few minutes before rinsing it with clean water. All vegetables should be cleaned with clean napkins or paper
towels before being prepared for the salad. The community service experience was enjoyable and educational, and the vendors were enthusiastic about the knowledge shared. Thank you.
Samuel Coleman
On May 25th, 2023, I embarked on community service at one of the canteens at the University of Education, Winneba. The service was targeted at educating the cooks on “Hand Hygiene at the Canteen” as a step in promoting the health of their customers (students and other members of the university who buy from them).
The following subtitles were considered:
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Steps to washing hands properly.
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a. When to wash hands with emphasis on the unusual activities that call for hand washing because almost everyone knows the usual activities.
b. Unusual activities such as before and after you; cleaning and treating a cut, burn, or wound in the canteen kitchen, taking medications, touching phone or other mobile device, going to the grocery and after you; handling money or receipts, touching animals( their feed or waste), cough, sneeze, cough or blow your nose. -
What to do in the absence of soap and water.
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Tips to keep skin healthy while washing hands often.
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Using paper towels for cleaning wet hands after washing instead of air dryers to stop virus spread.
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Avoidance of expired hand sanitizers.
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Hand sanitizer and hand washing, which one is better and why.
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Importance of hand washing.
Questions Asked:
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Does how much time you spend washing hands makes a difference?
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Do you wash longer if you’re cooking?
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Do you wash your hands in hot or cold water with the aim that hot water kills germs than cold water?
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What kind of soap works best?
The questions were answered well to their understanding.
Henry Vroom-Ashong
I went to various classes in three different schools namely Essikado Catholic JHS, Boundary Road S.T.M.A. Basic School, and Gadara Academy (my former school) to inform the students on fundamental human rights and freedoms as enshrined by the Constitution,1992 of Ghana in the period of 11th and 12th May 2023.
Philimon Awiah Adewe
On the 27 of April 2023, I did my community service at Gwenia junior high school, my former junior high school:
My topic was personal hygiene of which I emphasized oral hygiene, hair hygiene, ear hygiene, hand washing, care of the fingernails and toenails foot hygiene, clothes hygiene, some common disease due to poor hygiene, skincare, and the effects of skin bleaching.
Attached are some pictures and a video I took with the students after the talk.
Thank you.
Vicentia Amoako
On March 16, 2023, Vicentia Amoako, our 2023 scholarship recipient and a final year Natural Resource Management conducted her community service at the University of Energy and Natural Resources Basic School situated in Sunyani, Ghana. Below was her service description:
Clean water and sanitation remain major concerns to a lot of communities and societies. Issues concerning how sanitation affects the purity of our water are still in existence, and they keep escalating every day. Due to this, as a proud beneficiary of the JEQ FOUNDATION, I decided to educate the pupils in Basic 4B at the University of Energy and Natural Resources Basic School situated in Sunyani on the link between sanitation and cleanliness. It was a wonderful experience and also an educative session.
Hayford Kankam Boadu
Our 2021 scholarship recipient Hayford Kankam Boadu also conducted his volunteer service outreach at Kiddies Paradise, a preschool in Sunyani, Ghana on March 17, 2023. He taught the kids (Oleander Class-KG 2) about Personal Hygiene and Dental hygiene. Below is Hayford’s experience:
As part of my commitment to giving back to my community, I volunteered at Kiddies Paradise, on Friday, March 17, 2023.
The objective behind the chosen topic was to educate the kids on the need to practice good personal hygiene from a young age. I taught them about general personal hygiene practices but limited it to dental hygiene which is commonly an issue found in kids. The session was so well received and appreciated.
During the session, two class teachers: Godfred Odame and Betty Akuba were present in addition to the school's secretary, Joannita Ackay Blay.
Please meet Hildagard M. Musa doing her community service in Shama Ghana.
Hildagard is our 2020 scholarship recipient. Not only did she teach the students, Hildagard gave back. This is her story:
Giving back to my society (Community Service) I visited two schools in my community i.e Shama Junction.
1. STELLA SCHOOL COMPLEX
2. DIVINE PACE SETTERS ACADEMY
The activity was educating them on some basic SAFETY RULES in school and at home.
I also gave out:
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80 customized notepads
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100 pieces of pens
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Drinks
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Biscuits
It was a nice experience. Aside from the educative part, it was also fun and I wish to do much more and even bigger 😊Thank you
Philip Nii Nortey, JEQ Foundation's 2020 scholarship recipient
"Philip Nii Nortey, JEQ Foundation's 2020 scholarship recipient performed his Community Service at Effia Methodist Junior High School, in the Western Region of Ghana. He taught the public school students in his community and organized an entrepreneurial seminar where he spoke to the students on the need to acquire an entrepreneurial skill. Philip also taught the students how to make parazone for cleaning purposes"
Kudjoe Manfred and his community volunteer service in Tamale, Northern Region about the Monkeypox outbreak.
As part of my community volunteer service I embarked on an outreach program in Tamale, Northern Region about the recent Monkey pox outbreak.
I chose Monkey pox as the topic of interest because just like it was for the novel COVID 19 pandemic, cases of monkey pox are increasing at an alarming rate in countries worldwide, including Ghana. Unlike COVID 19 however, public awareness and knowledge on the Monkey pox disease is very low. The World Health Organization has declared Monkey pox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. I therefore put it to myself to educate the public as far as I can on important facts about the Monkey pox disease and how they can stay protected from it.
I began the outreach this week, on 11th of August 2022, starting from schools (JHS 3 students especially). Unfortunately most of the schools are on vacation so I could get to only one school ( Happy Home International School). I plan to extend the outreach to other class of people and also to other schools when they resume.
This is a link to the excerpt I carefully researched and compiled myself on the Monkey pox disease on which I based my presentation. I plan to share it to others who will also be in need of it. There was some background noise and few glitches at some points in the video but I hope it is okay.
It is my hope that this outreach and others I have in mind will have a good impact on the students and the general public. Thank you.
Kudjoe Manfred
Rejoice Kojopeni serving her community
I visited an elementary school (Gethsemane Pillar Academy) in my community and interacted on their dreams and why they are in school. I was privileged to learn from them and I also encouraged them on the importance of school attendance and how to go far to help them.
I also engaged in educating some women in my community on breast cancer and gave out flyers.
Rejoice Kojopeni
Reagan Boulovi and his community service Teaching health at Emmanuel Academy in Apedido near Aflao
I visited Emmanuel Academy, a private school located in Apedido which is one of the suburb
villages in Aflao today Friday, 30th September 2022.
The activities were;
1. Educating the JHS group (1 – 3) on personal where emphasis was laid on hand hygiene.
2. Educating and practicing the steps involved in social handwashing.
3. Educating the teachers on some conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, which are
actually part of the commonest chronic conditions on the rise.
The education was a success and it was really a nice experience.
Sophia Abbiw
I did my community service in Abrobeano, a village located in the central Region of Ghana. I organized a communal labour in the community to weed around bushy areas, sweep and educated them on the importance of keeping the environment clean. I also went to a school named Emmanuel Methodist Preparatory school to educate the preschool children the various parts of the body and how to inform their parents if there is pain in the parts identified.
I started this community service on the 15th of April 2023 in Dominase a community located in the central region of Ghana. I met Victoria during one of my routine home visits to educate people in their homes.
Victoria, a 16-year-old girl was chased out of the house by her Aunty who found out that she was pregnant. I asked about the whereabouts of her parents and she told me that they died when she was only 10 years old and was being cared for by her
Aunty so she has no parents and siblings anywhere, she is the only child of her parents.
I asked about what she does for a living and she told me that, she roams mostly during the weekends in the community to wash people's clothes for money and also weeds in farms for people to earn money to buy food for herself. According to Victoria, she sleeps in the uncompleted building during the night and works during the day to care for herself and she plans to abort the pregnancy when she gets the required amounts in order to return home because she is suffering.
I advised Victoria to keep the pregnancy since abortion is dangerous to her health and the resulting future consequences. Her lifestyle and pregnancy was not healthy so I donated something small for her welfare. I asked Victoria to go home but she told me that, she has been told not to return until the pregnancy is no more. I enquired to know about the man responsible for her pregnancy who has been taking care of her but she said he did not accept the pregnancy and he is nowhere to be found but later got to know that he is a married man. I took Victoria to my house so she can spend the night there and visit her Aunty on the next day.
On the next day, we made a visit to her Aunty’s house. I was a bit scared when she came out of her room angry, I knelt down with Victoria to beg her Aunty to accept her back and it was possible with the help of the neighbors. After accepting Victoria, I took the opportunity to educate her Aunty on the need to take good care of Victoria and also ensure she attends the antenatal clinic for her health and that of the baby to be stable. After a short conversation, I thanked Victoria’s Aunty and asked for permission took their contact and left but I always make sure to check up on them to ensure things are going right. I was informed on 1st October 2023 that she had delivered so I visited them after a break from school and donated something small for Victoria and her delivered a baby boy. I advised Victoria to take good care of the child. She has completed Junior High School and does not want to continue.
Since there is a high rate of teenage pregnancy in the community, I would like to use the opportunity and establish adolescents-friendly services to help educate the adolescents with the help of the community elders.