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The Suntreso Technical Institute (STI) has celebrated its 32nd Graduation Ceremony in a grand style, marking a significant milestone in its history. The event, which took place at the school’s premises in Suntreso, Kumasi, also doubled as the maiden graduation for the first batch of 200 students under the Government’s Free TVET program introduced in 2022.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Quality TVET Skills: A Requisite Tool for Youth Development and Quality Life”, brought together key stakeholders, including Hon. Samuel Pyne, Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly; Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency; Nana Agyemang Duah I, Otumfuo Taahene of Atwima Boko; and representatives from the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Ghana TVET Service.
In his keynote address, the Principal of STI, Mr. Ebenezer Quarcoo, underscored the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in addressing youth unemployment and enhancing livelihoods.
“The provision of a clear TVET qualification framework by the Government has created career progression opportunities for our learners. Today, our graduates are better positioned to compete in the job market and pursue higher education in technical universities and colleges,” Mr. Quarcoo noted.
Achievements Amidst Challenges
Mr. Quarcoo highlighted the institute’s impressive growth since the implementation of the Free TVET policy. The school’s enrollment has increased by 70%, reaching a current population of 538 students. Similarly, the staff strength has seen a 39% rise, with 88 teaching and non-teaching staff now on board.
The Principal also emphasized the institute’s commitment to exposing students and facilitators to industrial experience through the Workplace Experience Learning (WEL) program. Currently, STI collaborates with over 100 industries to ensure students gain hands-on experience.
To support its operations and enhance skill development, the institute has also ventured into internally generated fund (IGF) activities. These include offering lunch services, sewing uniforms, block production, and short-term fee-paying training in various disciplines such as Electrical Engineering, Hospitality Management, and Fashion Design.
Furthermore, STI is implementing the Ghana TVET Voucher Project for 100 electricians and has secured a grant from the Ghana Skills Development Fund (GSDF) to launch a sustainable garment waste management initiative.
Persistent Challenges
Despite its strides, STI faces significant challenges, including inadequate classrooms, toilet facilities, and furniture. Encroachment on school land due to the absence of a fence wall poses security threats, while the lack of boarding facilities limits the institute’s capacity to accommodate students from distant locations.
“We appeal to the Government to upgrade the school facilities and elevate its status to a boarding institution to accommodate more students. We also call on our Member of Parliament, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, to support us with additional furniture for our 229 fresh students,” Mr. Quarcoo appealed.
Acknowledgments and Way Forward
Mr. Quarcoo expressed gratitude to key stakeholders for their unwavering support. He specifically acknowledged Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye for his contributions, including the donation of a water storage tank and training equipment, which have greatly improved the institute’s infrastructure.
The Principal also commended the students and staff for their dedication and hard work, which earned STI the Best Engineering Award at the 2023 STEMnovation competition.
As the ceremony concluded, the Principal reaffirmed the institute’s vision to become the leading TVET institution in the Ghana TVET Service fraternity. “STI will continue to adopt best practices in skill training to shape the future of our youth,” he said.
The graduates, clad in colorful gowns, left the ceremony with certificates and smiles, ready to embark on their professional journeys with a strong foundation from STI.
