Wisconsin offers sign language, IT skills to the community

The establishment of the University College was initiated and facilitated by Dr. John Buuck, President of Wisconsin International University (WIU) in the United States of America and Rev. Dr. Paul K. Fynn of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana in 1998.

SHS leavers were exposed to the basics of the Microsoft Office Suite as well as Web Design and Development

The sign language classes, offered with the assistance of volunteer Patrick Sarfo from the Lutheran Church, took non-deaf children through the basics of communicating with those with hearing impairments.

Over a period of six weeks, the children, aged between 7 and 14 years, learned how to sign the alphabet and numbers up to 20, as well as how to exchange basic greetings and day-to-day conversation in sign language.

One of the participants, Jude Gyane, 12, a student at Presec Primary School in Madina, said: “It is important for us to learn sign language because we need to learn how to communicate with those who are not like us so we can involve them more.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The children expressed their excitement at the chance to learn at a university at their tender age and for the opportunity to learn a new language and make new friends.

The summer educational CSR programme included a two-week IT course geared towards recent SHS graduates.

The SHS leavers were exposed to the basics of the Microsoft Office Suite as well as Web Design and Development. Each session included practicals and assignments.

Yvonne Takyi, 17, a former student of Aduman Senior High School in Kumasi, who lives with her grandmother in Tema, attended the IT course. She said:  “I learnt how to make faster calculations using Excel and also how to make report for a company or an enterprise.

“We also learned how to send messages or letters faster to group emails and were also taught how to design a website.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Yvonne, who wants to study medicine, added: “This course will help me in future to be able to do things faster because now I know a better way of doing it.”

The SHS students also benefited from career and self-development advice from Wisconsin’s Career Services Officer, Ms Ngozi Dickson. The young people learned the pillars of success, which include self-discovery, time management and ascribing to the right values.

Ms Dickson advised them on the dangers of spending too much time on social media or using it in the wrong way.

The young people also prepared a four-year plan for their lives, which they were encouraged to keep and refer to from time to time.

Participants were presented with certificates at the end of their respective courses.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wisconsin PR and Communications Officer Mrs Victoria Chimbwanda said: “Education is the core business of any university. As such, our CSR activities this summer were geared towards learning.

“By engaging young people on our campus, we hope to inspire them to aspire to attain the highest level of education while teaching them skills that they can take with them through life.”

About Wisconsin International University College

It received its Interim Accreditation in January 2000 under the name University College of Wisconsin International University - Ghana (UCWIU-Gh). It was thus one of the first private universities to receive accreditation.

Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-Gh) programmes are accredited by the National Accreditation Board (NAB). The University College is affiliated to the University of Ghana, Legon, the University of Cape Coast and to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

ADVERTISEMENT

Wisconsin offers Certificate, Diploma, Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in areas including IT, various Business disciplines, Law, Communication Studies, Economics, Environmental Science and Sustainability and Rural Development and Tourism, among others.

OUR UNIQUENESS

Leaders in International Education

Wisconsin International University College, Ghana has a unique brand that distinguishes itself from other private universities. It is truly international in terms of scope of its course offerings and their global appeal as well as its student and lecturer population mix.

Our students and lecturers are from Ghana and other countries including: Nigeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Mali, Togo, Benin, Egypt, Congo DR, Niger, Guinea, Liberia, Gabon, Chad, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, Morocco, The Gambia, UK, USA and Zimbabwe.

ADVERTISEMENT

Career Services Center

Wisconsin has a vibrant Career Services Center, which arranges work placements and internships for students. Students are encouraged to undertake an internship a year, to boost employability and enhance their entrepreneurship skills.

French/Chinese Language

The study of French is compulsory. Students also have the option of studying Chinese.

Exchange Programme

ADVERTISEMENT

Wisconsin has partnered with Concordia University Irvine in California, USA to offer the Master of Arts in International Relations programme. Other exchange programmes/collaborations are under consideration.

More information is available at www.wiuc-ghana.edu.gh

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT