GAUW Holds Reading, Creative Writing & Public Speaking Competition for Basic Schools

The University of Cape Coast Chapter of Ghana Association of University Women (GAUW), of the Graduate Women International (GWI), has held a reading, creative writing and public speaking competition for some selected basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis.

The competition was aimed at promoting reading, creative writing and public speaking among girls at the basic education level.

The Chairperson for the function, Dr. Genevieve Adukpo, enlightened the students on the importance of learning. She entreated the students to make books their best friends and develop interest in reading.  “Reading is a very good exercise that helps us to engage the brain. It increases your knowledge, imagination and creativity. It helps in analytical thinking, improves your memory and enhances your communicative skills”, she noted.

Dr. Adukpo who is the Director of the Centre for Gender, Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD), encouraged the girls to take their education serious so that they would be able to build a good career. “Don’t think that as a girl or woman my place is the kitchen. You can be a breadwinner. So you must build your career by learning some skills” she urged them.  She said they could only achieve their dream career if they concentrated on their studies and advice of their teachers and mentors.

Dr. Adukpo cautioned them against unhealthy relationships with the opposite sex. “Sex is for married people. Getting pregnant will send you out of school. Report any sexual harassment because it is your right to be free from sexual harassment”, she advised. She inspired them to continue reading and writing as well as exhibiting and developing on their talents.  She was hopeful that they would rise to become great leaders and responsible individuals in society.

Giving the background of GWI, Dr.  Adukpo said the organisation was founded in 1919 to promote lifelong education for women and girls as well as building their leadership skills. “We identify barriers confronting girls such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy among others,” she explained. She noted that GWI has chapters around the world and that of Ghana was the Ghana Association of University Women. She challenged teachers that were graduates to join.

Some of the projects of the Association she mentioned were Girls’ Choice Project, Girls’ Training Workshop on Gender and Leadership, Girls’ Science Clinic and Girls’ Science and Mathematics Quiz.

The participating schools for the competition were Saint Mary Anglican School, Montessori School, Flowers Gay School, University Junior High School, and University Junior High School Annex. At the end of the competition, Flowers Gay School emerged as the overall best school with 238 points followed by University Junior High School with 224.5 points and Montessori School with 214 points. The representatives of the various schools were awarded certificates of participation to appreciate their efforts. Each participating schools were also received certificates and other prizes.

Date of Event: Thursday, November 15, 2018