For many families in rubber-growing communities, the dream of seeing their children in university often hangs on a fragile thread, the ability to afford tuition and accommodation.
But for a batch of 33 tertiary students, that dream has been secured, thanks to the continued scholarship support from Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), a local rubber processor in the Ahanta West Municipality.
For the 2024/2025 academic year, GREL has once again demonstrated its commitment to education by fully supporting students from its host communities across public universities in Ghana.
The scholarship covers the full Academic Facility User Fee and Residential Facility User Fee for students housed on campus. For those who must secure accommodation privately, the company provides an annual allowance of GH¢3,000 to ease their burden.
This is not the first time GREL, a local rubber processor with about hundred host communities in three regions-namely western central and Eastern regions is providing educational support to host communities beneficiaries.
At a recent ACLANGO annual General meeting, the Managing Director of GREL, Thierry Couchy, handed each of the 33 tertiary students their scholarship package spanning for a period of four years.
Nana Kwesi Agyemang, Omanhene of Lower Dixcove, Awulae Amihere Kpanyile, Omanhene of Atuabo, Awulae Attibrukusu III, Omanhene of Lower Axim, Awuale Angamatuo Gyan, Omanhene of Gwira, the Western regional Minister, Joseph Nelson and host of other Divisional chiefs were present, when the scholarship package was presented to each beneficiary.
It was a moment of pride for both parents and chiefs as they watch the beneficiaries from their traditional area rise to pick the scholarship package.
What is assuring in the scholarship package is that, the support will continue throughout the beneficiaries’ four-year academic journey, ensuring that financial constraints do not force them to abandon their ambitions midway. For parents and guardians, the scholarship has brought immense relief.
Many, whose livelihoods depended largely on small-scale farming and rubber production, would otherwise have struggled to raise the thousands of cedis required each academic year.
The intervention has not only removed the financial pressure, but also restored confidence in the future of their children.
For the students, the scholarship represents more than money, it is a lifeline and a vote of confidence in their potentials.
It allows them to focus fully on their academic work without the constant anxiety of unpaid fees or uncertain accommodation.
In communities where access to higher education can transform entire families, the impact is already being felt.
Each beneficiary carries with them the hopes of siblings, parents and neighbours who see education as the surest path out of hardship.
Although the exact total financial investment cannot be determined due to variations in university fees and accommodation arrangements, GREL’s commitment to covering these costs over the four-year period underscores a significant and sustained investment in human capital development.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
