The Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Apostolic Vicar of the Donkorkrom Vicariate recently urged the students of St. Mary Technical Institute, Adeemmra, to make use of their God- given skills to serve humanity.
He said in embracing their entrepreneurial spirit, they can become the economically emancipated women of substance God has called them to be.
He made this known when he delivered a speech during the 25th Anniversary of St. Mary Technical Institute, Adeemmra, at the school compound.
The Bishop acknowledged their hard work, commitment and academic achievements, which has made them to win District Debate Competition, excelled in sporting activities and the CTVET exams.
The prelate commended the contributions of the early missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word, in establishing the institution with the purpose of giving vocational skills to girls in the area.
Notable among them is Rev. Fr. Joseph Pitchler,SVD, whose foresight finally led to the resolution in 1998 to establish St. Mary’s Technical Institute. He described the history of the institution as a powerful narrative of Faith In Action.
From its humble beginning on March 1,1999, with just fifteen (15) students and three dedicated staff members, the school has been a beacon of hope.
Bishop Asiedu eulogised leaders whose tireless efforts and dedication has contributed immensely to the growth of the school. They include Rev. Fr. Paul Pio,SVD, and Religious Sisters from the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), which includes Srs. Angelina Gerharz and Mary Lamisi Adomolga and his predecessor, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD.
Drawing inspiration from the theme “Holistic Catholic Education: Educating the Ghanaian Girl For Entrepreneurial Mind & Skills For Economic Emancipation”, the Prelate emphasized the fact that the theme is the very essence of the mission and vision of Catholic Education.
He stated that holistic Catholic Education takes into consideration forming the whole person- mind, body and spirit. Its vision as articulated by the vision of the school is to provide “psycho-spiritual formation to adolescent girls and young women to enable them to selflessly and skillfully fit into society, and to lead productive and responsible lives”.
According to him, this is education that goes beyond the classroom, instilling the values of Christ or gospel values such as integrity, service, compassion, solidarity and intelligence in the students.
He also indicated that the theme also calls for an urgent need for Economic Emancipation. The girls are not only to be equipped to seek employment, but to create it.
The focus on an entrepreneurial mind and skills is critical. The students are trained to be innovators, job creators, and leaders who will transform their communities. By excelling in fields like Catering, Fashion, and Business, the graduates of the school are becoming agents of change, securing their own futures and contributing meaningfully to the Ghanaian economy.
The success of the graduates of the school, many of whom are gainfully employed in both government and private sectors, and the school’s selection as a training centre for the Ghana TVET Voucher Project, are clear indicators that this vision is being realized.
Bishop Asiedu admitted there is a serious deficit in school infrastructure and equipment, and therefore appealed to the Government, through the Ghana TVET Service, to come to the aid of the Institute.
These include: Administration Block, School Dormitory, Staff Bungalows, Teachers for the Catering and Creative Arts Departments, School Bus, Vehicle for the School Administration and Modern Tools and Equipment for the various Departments.
The timely intervention of Government in the provision of these urgent infrastructure, equipment and modern tools, will certainly improve teaching and learning in the Institute, keeping in mind that the people of Kwahu Afram Plains, have been left out and denied of several developmental projects by successive governments for far too long.
But he was happy to know that the age-old plan of constructing a bridge over the Afram River, and the construction of the trunk road from Ekye-Amanfrom to Agordeke, are included in the Government’s Big Push Projects. He called on the government not to make it a lip-service as is the case over the years.
He concluded his message by expressing gratitude to the Church and Religious Orders, to the Government and Educational Agencies, to Our Donors and Benefactors, to the Traditional Authorities and Local Community, to the Management and Staff, to the Parents and Guardians, and to the students, for their diverse contributions to the growth and development of the school.
As the school looks forward to the next 25 years, he called on all and sundry to renew their commitment to this noble cause. “Let us continue to work together, guided by faith and driven by the vision of a brighter future for the Ghanaian girl” he continued. He pledged his continuous support for the transformation of the school.
By Rev. Fr. Matthew Akakpo (AVD-DEPSOCOM)
