As the semester drew to a close, students of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) eagerly anticipated a unique learning experience – a field trip to Nkwanta South Municipality in the Oti region.
The Communication for Social Change course, taught throughout the semester, had prepared them for this momentous experience.
Expertly guided by Dr. Daniel Odoom, Dean, Faculty of Integrated Communication Sciences and the Head of the Department of Communication Studies, Dr Joseph Obeng-Baah it transformed into a real-world laboratory, where students apply theoretical knowledge to drive meaningful impact on society.
Other facilitators were Dr. Lawrencia Agyepong, Director, Centre for International Relations, and Prof. Modestus Fosu, Director, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance.
With facilitation fees paid and excitement building, the students were divided into two groups, each bound for a different destination.
Our group headed to Nkwanta South, where we would delve into pressing development issues in the Municipality.
The journey began on a Friday morning, August 9, 2024, with two buses conveying students and facilitators on the almost 9-hour journey.
Despite the delay, the documentary team, led by Seth Lasidji, captured the excitement and energy of the students as they sang, danced, and slept their way to the final destination.
Upon arrival, the Municipal Chief Executive, Felix Owusu-Gyimah, warmly welcomed us, and we quickly got to work, gathering data and engaging with stakeholders in our assigned thematic areas.
Through participatory data collection approaches such as stakeholder interactions, they put theoretical concepts into practice, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding social change.
In line with project goal, our group assessed the various development needs of the Municipality. Needs in critical areas such as Water and Sanitation, Public Healthcare, Girl Child Education, Tourism and Communication, Child Trafficking and Teenage Pregnancy were all assessed.
As the sun set on Nkwanta, we reflected on our experiences, realizing that the classroom had come alive in the field. That, theory was becoming more meaningful in real-life situations.
On day two, as we got into the heart of Ghana’s lush wilderness, the Kyabobo National Park unfolded its mysteries before us.
Led by the charismatic Municipal Chief Executive, Felix Owusu-Gyimah, our group embarked on a transformative journey, delving into the park’s rich history and marveling at the splendid Breast Mountain.
Its unique shape, resembling a woman’s breast, captivated our imagination, inviting us to capture its beauty through countless photographs.
As we wandered deeper into the Kyabobo Forest Reserve, the gentle rustle of leaves and sweet melodies of birds enveloped us, transporting us to a realm of serenity.
The forest’s tranquility was a balm to our souls, beckoning us to slow our pace and absorb its wisdom. While some pressed on, driven by the promise of the waterfalls.
Deeper into the Kyabobo Forest Reserve, the journey to the waterfalls proved to be a test of endurance and resilience for some.
Despite their valiant efforts, Dr. Lawrencia Agyapong, Solomon Nkansa, Ivy Sefakor Asare, Emmanuel Gazor, and others could not make it to the final destination.
Meanwhile, Henry Quarshie’s determination was inspiring, but unfortunately, he fell short of the finish line, despite being just minutes away.
On the other hand, Professor Modestus Fosu, affectionately known as the ‘Ethics Man,’ proved that he practices what he teaches – demonstrating remarkable physical strength and energy to complete the 5.5 kilometre trek to the waterfalls.
As I walked at my own pace, I encountered Dr. Daniel Odoom, who had already reached the waterfalls and was now making his way back.
Ahead of me, Dr. Obeng-Baah and some students were also nearing the finish line. Dr. Obeng-Baah seemed to be bolstered by his trusty walking stick, which was leading the way.
It was heartening to see the group’s camaraderie and perseverance in the face of nature’s challenges amidst its beckoning magnificence.
In this enchanted world, the journey became the destination. Though some reached the waterfalls, while others fell short, we all shared a common experience – the discovery of a hidden treasure, a testament to the magic that lies just beyond the edge of our everyday world.
The Oti Regional Minister, Daniel Machator who had the chance to pass by, out of his busy schedule, engaged the facilitators and students on the exercise and expressed his appreciation to the team for choosing the region for such an important project.
Through this unique experiential learning strategy by UniMAC, students gained hands-on experience, applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems.
As we returned home, we carried with us invaluable lessons, forever changing the way we approach communication for social change.
It was exciting to have gained a deeper appreciation of the development needs of Nkwanta South Municipality, which was to inspire us to develop comprehensive development communication interventions to address the identified needs.
Source: Amos Kwofie
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