In line with its mission to foster inclusive and transformative education in agri-food systems, the Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative (UG Nkabom) has organised a two-day counselling Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for faculty members and staff. The training was designed to strengthen the ability of selected staff of the University to provide responsive and empathetic support to beneficiary students of Nkabom offerings, particularly those from vulnerable and underserved backgrounds. It was organised under the Access and Success Pillar of UG Nkabom which seeks to facilitate access to training in nutrition and agrifood systems for those who have diverse vulnerabilities including disability and displacement.
In her opening remarks, the Pillar Lead, Dr. Fidelia Dake, underscored the broader vision behind the capacity strengthening exercise. She noted, “We believe that achieving student success goes beyond admission. It’s about creating systems and people around the student that enable them to thrive. And that’s what this training was about equipping our faculty to be part of that support system.”
With experts from the University of Ghana Careers and Counselling Centre leading the facilitation, the participants were taken through interactive modules bordering on ‘Stress Management for Faculty,’ ‘Emotional Intelligence in the Learning Environment,’ and ‘Effective Student Handling,’ amongst others. The participants also engaged in practical role plays, reflection exercises, and shared real-life scenarios encountered in their teaching journeys. These interactive sessions offered a space to unpack issues of stigma and barriers to mental health care, while building a community of practice around student-centred support.
Reflecting on the value of the skills enhancement they had received, a participant observed that “Sometimes, students struggle in silence. We must be ready to hear what is not said.” Another felt, “even more committed to seeing students not just as learners in the classroom but as young people with real-world pressures. I leave this training empowered to listen more and act with empathy.”
Nkabom, is a collaborative effort comprising the Mastercard Foundation, McGill University, the University of Ghana, the Association of Ghana Industries, and six (6) other tertiary institutions across Ghana. The Collaborative works across three strategic pillars: Education, Access and Success, and Entrepreneurship. Its Education Pillar is expanding training opportunities in agrifood and nutrition while the Entrepreneurship Pillar supports youths to venture into agrifood businesses.
