The Holy Child College of Education, Takoradi, has held her 1st Congregation for the Conferment of Bachelor of Education degrees on the theme; “Championing the course of Gender and Inclusive Education: The Female Factor in Teacher Education”. The ceremony which was held at the Bishop John Martin Darko Auditorium on Saturday, July 29, 2023, saw a total of 273 students graduating with 12 students obtaining 1st class honors, 137 students, and 108 students also received 2nd class Upper and Lower honors respectively while 16 students had 3rd class honors. 

Constituting the Assembly, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi and Council Chairman acknowledged the enviable achievements of the graduands and described them as one of Holy Child’s most successful and dedicated batch of students. He paid glowing tributes to the tutors for their diligent guidance and their parents for their generous support that enabled the graduands to reach the remarkable height.

Dr. Francis Hull Adams, in an address Principal of the College, lauded the outstanding academic accomplishments of the graduating class.  Among the graduates, an impressive 12% earned first-class honors, while 50% achieved second-class upper degrees, underscoring the college’s unwavering dedication to fostering independent learners who excel in examinations.

Dr. Adams also highlighted the vital role of partnerships and collaborations in teacher training. He revealed the college’s ongoing agreements with local basic schools and unveiled plans for future international collaborations with esteemed universities in Japan and Canada. Dr. Adams expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of the college staff and celebrated recent infrastructural developments, including the completion of the Assembly hall/auditorium project and the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art lecture hall complex.

Dr. Adams urged the graduands to embrace their journey beyond graduation and actively contribute to the growth and development of their alma mater. He extended heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders whose support and dedication contributed to the success of this historic event, emphasizing the significance of collective efforts in creating a bright future for Holy Child College of Education

In her address, Prof. Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences charged the graduands not to see their graduation as the end of their academic and professional ambition, but as stepping stones to greater achievements. urging them to ensure that in the pursuit of their career, they lay a strong foundation, keep a solid space, keep focused on their vision, seek mentorship, invest in continuous self-development, establish a strong support system, and develop collaboration locally nationally, and internationally.

Prof. Aziato who was the Guest Speaker further affirmed the importance of the theme describing it as very apt, calling for equal opportunities and recognition of the achievements of women in all spheres of life while appealing to women to invest in their professional development in multiple skill areas.

She added that it is the basic right for all to be educated hence the school feeding program and the free SHS policy of the government were laudable interventions in ensuring inclusivity and challenged the College to ensure that as a way forward there will be graduands specialized in taking care of children/students with special needs soon.

Madam Araba Bentum, a past student of the College and the National Director of Catholic schools in Ghana congratulated the Catholic Church and the Holy Child Sisters for facilitating the sound training and formation of young ladies as teachers over the years and urged the graduands to ensure that the Holy Child Spirit follows them wherever they go.

Miss Maud Abakah Taylor, the valedictorian in her speech traced the historical trajectory that culminated to their success story while affirming with gratitude the persistent and consistent help, support, and guidance of their parents, college management, tutors, counselors, and the overall inspiration from the college community.

Madam Cassandra Ampofo, Head of Public Relations at GES in her remarks recognized and appreciated the crucial role of the female factor in shaping the future of the education system and commended the Holy Child College of Education for being at the forefront in providing quality teacher education. She emphasized that the College has set a remarkable example not only in equipping teachers with the necessary pedagogical skills but also in laying a foundation for an inclusive educational environment that promotes equal opportunities for all. 

The high point of the ceremony was the conferment of Bachelor of Education degrees to deserving 273 graduating students by the representative of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape-Coast.

As part of the ceremony, some graduands who excelled in their programs of study received special awards. A total of thirty-one awards were presented to deserving graduating students from various sponsors. Miss Maud Abakah Taylor was adjudged the overall best-graduating student with a total of 5 awards.