I had to write this to the SRC because we expect to see the SRC do greater things than what they are doing. They have actually raised the bar but we need to see more because we believe in them.
Below is my open letter.
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An Open Letter Addressing Student Concerns: Collaboration for Positive Change
To the Student Representative Council (SRC) of Koforidua Technical University,
Greetings to you all. I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as you continue to serve the student body. As a dedicated student activist, it is my responsibility to advocate for the betterment of our university community. Today, I write to address some pressing issues that many of our fellow students face on campus.
I have chosen to present these concerns in the form of an open letter for several reasons, each rooted in the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and collaborative problem-solving. I used some methods in the past which didn’t yield the results that were expected so I hope this one helps us all.
An open letter allows us to communicate not only with the SRC but also with the entire student community, faculty, administration, and even the public. By opting for an open letter, I invite every student to engage in this dialogue. Every voice matters, and our collective strength lies in our unity. When our concerns are discussed openly, students who might have been silent spectators are empowered to contribute their insights, solutions, and suggestions. This inclusivity ensures that the SRC’s actions are well-rounded and reflective of the entire student body’s needs.
The SRC has done a lot for this institution which has made us realize the power SRC holds and also know what the SRC can do. You have raised the bar.
Our university is a community that thrives when we work together. This approach ensures that decisions are not made in isolation but rather reflect the sentiments and opinions of the broader community.
As for the concerns themselves, I wish to highlight a few key areas that demand our attention:
- Academic Support: Many students have expressed the need for enhanced academic support services, including resources such as computer laboratories, and mentorship programs.
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Adequate facilities, updated classrooms, and well-maintained study areas are essential for a conducive learning environment. An example is the installation of projectors in our classrooms.
- Financial Transparency: Students are keen to understand how their fees are allocated. Transparent financial reporting builds trust and enables effective resource allocation.
- Effective Communication: Strengthening communication channels between the SRC, administration, and students ensures that information flows smoothly and timely.
Below is the link to the school fees breakdown which I received from an executive in the SRC of KTU.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16hijQ0aYqpj1lT_avBU0gKzYI9g8ibkQ/view?usp=sharing
Fig. Page 2 of 16 of the breakdown
Per the breakdown, we are paying for items that we do not enjoy and I like to ask why these payments are to be made by students as school fees.
- We pay for an ID card but we are told we need to go through a medical examination first after spending a semester.
- Medical examinations have been catered for but we go to the clinic and we are required to bring an NHIS card before we get access to treatment. Despite all this, the clinic still lacks medicine for patients as of July 2023.
NOW, WE ARE BEEN ASKED TO PAY 80 CEDIS FOR AN X-RAY.
Shouldn’t it have been added to our school fees?
What should abroad sponsors think of students?
- Some students represented the school in the just-ended GHATUSA games in Tamale and the agreement was that they were going to be awarded marks in place of the internships that were established by the institution for every student, only for them to get back from the tournament and be told to go back and finish with the industrial attachment in industries.
- We hope graduates will not be asked to pay for graduation fees (including certificate fees) after `paying for certificates in the ‘school fees’ per the school fees breakdown above.
Fig. picture to clarify
- Weekend students pay for library fees but libraries are often closed on weekends. We all know most weekend students travel from various regions in the country to Koforidua for classes only on weekends so why do they need to pay the same amount as regular students while they aren’t gaining from there?
- Computer science weekend students will have almost a full semester in various industries as part of their industrial attachment which is mandatory for all technical university students, yet they will have to make full payment in order to register for courses. (18 months of BTECH in KTU is now treated like a 2-year program.
- Till now we don’t know the use of development levy in the school.
- Our soccer field is always in question as it is not regularly taken care of.
- Paint jobs are done when students are in class learning amidst the pungent smell the chemical used carries
- The computer science laboratory has no use due to insufficient devices.
- We propose a reevaluation of the financial aid process to extend its benefits to students facing challenges with registration but are eager to make partial fee payments. This innovative program has the potential to positively impact such students.
- Sanitation and waste management in KTU is an eyesore. Anyone can argue that students also have a role to play, but I will entreat anyone reading this to go to the washrooms of “CCB, FBMS, and FAST” and have it for him or herself. I know the vice president is aware of the current situation.
- Your administration taught us how to keep our surrounding clean by organizing cleanups in various hostels during campaigns. But as of today, junction 6 is a no-go area for the “FEARO” at night due to an overgrown “mini forest”
These are some of the problems students are facing and we hope the needful will be done. I might be naïve about your achievements and the problems aforementioned but that should tell you how your communication system lacks what it takes.
I invite the SRC to join hands with us, the students, in a collaborative journey. Let’s engage in open discussions, share solutions, and collectively implement positive changes that elevate our university’s academic, social, and emotional well-being.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts.
United we stand.
Bumas Lord-adem
#Liokin Media Hub
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Kindly leave a comment, lets have a convo
i hope our concerns will be taken into consideration