Visually Impaired Students Receive Book Grant from Kimathi Kuenyehia

Beneficiaries of the Book Grant.

The Chief Executive Officer of Kimathi and Partners, Mr. Kimathi Kuenyehia has honoured a promise he made during the 2016 Bachelor of Arts congregation to set up a Book Grant facility for the visually impaired students of the University. This grant would cover their expenses on books and other reading materials throughout their study in the University.

Mr. Reginald Nii Odoi who made the presentation on behalf of Mr. Kimathi Kuenyehia stated that Mr. Kimathi Kuenyehia was moved by the academic excellence of the valedictorian for the 2016 Bachelor of Arts congregation, Mr. Abdul-Kudus Bukari, who was visually impaired. He said Mr. Bukari’s sterling performance in being the best graduating student in his class was exemplary.  He noted that the establishment of the grant award falls in line with the firm’s principles which aligns with equality in education hence the need to lend a helping hand to those who are less privileged.

He added that the firm hopes to keep the grant running for a very long time as well as broaden the scope to cover other students with special needs. He was hopeful that this initiative will attract alumni and other corporate bodies to emulate the example of Kimathi and Partners. Mr. Reginald Nii Odoi was grateful to the Office for Students with Special Need (OSSN) for the warm reception and congratulated the beneficiaries on receiving the grant. The firm later made a presentation to Dr. Awo Mana Asiedu, the Head of OSSN, for being instrumental in making the book grant a reality.

Mr. Reginald Nii Odoi (left) making a presentation to Dr. Awo Mana Asiedu (right)

Mr. Abdul-Kudus Bukari expressed appreciation to Mr. Kimathi Kuenyehia for honouring his promise and admonished his colleague beneficiaries to study hard and make good use of the opportunity given them. He expressed hope that other students with special needs will benefit from subsequent Grants that will be awarded.

Mr. Abdul-Kudus Bukari expressing his appreciation to Kimathi and Partners

Prof. Kwasi Amponsah Tawiah, of the Business School commended Mr. Kimathi Kuenyehia and his firm for the initiative and challenged the beneficiaries to exhibit excellence as Mr. Bukari did.  He subsequently presented cheques to the beneficiaries.

Prof. Kwasi Amponsah Tawiah making a presentation to Esther Nagetey, a beneficiary of the book grant

The Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, said it was a joy to see students with special needs working really hard and aspiring to greater heights in their academic work.  She said Mr. Bukari had set a high standard worthy of emulation and called on the students to work hard at their studies. She expressed her appreciation for to Kimathi and Partners for establishing the book grant award and encouraged the beneficiaries to in turn honour their benefactor by excelling academically.

Prof. Francis Nunoo, Dean of Student Affairs, expressed his profound appreciation to Kimathi and Partners, stating that the University is excited with the collaboration to help the visually impaired students acquire relevant reading materials to enhance their studies. He recommended setting up a criteria to aid in the selection process of beneficiaries. He was quick to add that the requirements, such as achieving a satisfactory grade point, among others, should challenge beneficiaries to put in their best academically. He advised beneficiaries to use the money judiciously.

Prof. Francis Nunoo (left) in a photograph with Mr. Abdul-Kudus Bukari (right)

Earlier, the Head of the Office of Students with Special Needs (OSSN), Dr. Awo Asiedu, welcomed all to the ceremony and said the Office was pleased to have such a facility set up for the students.

The beneficiaries of the Book Grant Award were Abdul Razak, Felix Owusu, Prince Obed Balika, Joseph Arim, Daniel Nkrumah, John Amevor and Esther Nagetey.

Beneficiaries in a picture with some officials of the University of Ghana and Kimathi and Partners