Amid excitement and applause, ten talented female engineering final year students were announced as beneficiaries of this year’s Telecel Ghana’s Female Engineering Students Scholarship Programme (FESSP) in an award ceremony at the telco’s headquarters in Accra.
The ten beneficiaries include four students from the University of Ghana, three from the University of Mines and Technology, and one each from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast and Ghana Communications Technology University.
Each awardee will receive GHS 5,000 toward their final year tuition, a tablet computer with six-month free data access, mentorship by seasoned female professionals at Telecel, internships opportunities and priority consideration for full-time roles.
Since its introduction in 2011, FESSP has to date supported 100 female engineering students from five universities, at a time when female retention in engineering remains low globally. According to UNESCO, women make up just 16.5% of the engineering workforce worldwide, a figure that shrinks further in leadership roles.
Sharing her own journey as an example, Chief Executive of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai urged the new cohort to embrace the diverse opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“I began my journey as an intern, progressed through various technology roles, later transitioned into commercial operations, and today, I’m in management. Be open to learning new skills, embrace new challenges, stay curious on the job, and don’t hesitate to ask your mentors questions. Make the most of this opportunity,” Ing. Obo-Nai said.
This year, 48 eligible candidates from the partner institutions were considered, with 21 advancing to the final interview stage.
Speaking at the event on the purpose and selection process of the FESSP, Rachael Appenteng, Human Resource Director of Telecel Ghana, said that the initiative is vital for the advancement of STEM and crucial for promoting diversity and inclusion globally.
“Each of you was chosen because of your talent and potential. We believe in you, and we are committed to supporting you on this journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn, and let it inspire you to pave the way for the next generation of female engineers.”
One of the recipients, Megan Nana Aba Welsing, a final-year Computer Engineering student at the University of Ghana said she worked towards this achievement, and it feels fulfilling to see her years of studying rewarded.
“I’m excited to find my niche in the working field and develop my soft skills so I can become more confident and daring through the mentorship and practical work experience. Then I can use this experience to influence other younger females to pursue careers in STEM,” Megan said.
Madam Christiana, a mother to one of the FESSP recipients, expressed her gratitude for the investment in the young women through the mentorship, financial and career advantages given them.
As a Top Employer for the seventh consecutive year, Telecel Ghana remains committed to championing diversity, inclusion and talent development.