Mr Chairman,Centre Managers and Administrators, Tutors, DESA Executives present, Invited Guest, Fellow students, Friends of the media here present, ladies and gentlemen.
Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible unless it is done.” On behalf of the Distance Education Students’ Association (DESA) executives, it is my singular honour to welcome you to this prestigious institution. You have made it to be enrolled in one of the best universities in Ghana, and it is the right choice you have made so you should be deeply proud of yourself.
DESA-UEW was inaugurated on 19th August 2017 as a Students’ Front to foster and champion the interest and welfare of all Students of the College for Distance and e-Learning (CODeL) of the University of Education, Winneba. The Association has over the years promoted the interest of distance education students at all levels.
I would love to emphasize that Distance Education is not for the academically weak and the intellectual dunderheads as the public is made to believe instead it is for those who are willing to defy the odds through sacrifice, commitment, and perseverance.
I hereby challenge policymakers and the institutions who are implementing this mode of higher education to carefully and responsibly plan the programs to meet the ethical and academic standards of our Society because Distance Education is a holistic tool for National Development.
I believe that we can gradually win the trust and acceptance of our critics with a proper policy seeking to bring solutions to the economic, social, and political challenges we are facing as a Nation.
The easiest journey is often the ones that are not worthy of being walked, so to be honest with you this journey is not easy, but it will be through determination, commitment, and hard work.
Always remember why you chose to be here today, and never let the burdens of this world hinder you from achieving your goals.
I appeal to you all my freshmen and women to obey all rules and regulations of the institution and let the student handbook serve as a guide to direct your path. Since you cannot walk the journey alone, it is the duty of DESA Executives to ensure that the rights of all students are well preserved, ensuring a vibrant, safe, inclusive and diverse community that embraces all students regardless of race, religion, culture, ethnic group or sexuality.
May I echo the words of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “Africa is the cradle of humanity, and so we welcome you home. It is paramount that we ensure such a safe learning environment because this is home away from home, and where you will meet lifelong friends, business partners and your better halves, so I will entreat you all to mingle, socialize and establish reasonable networks.
As you begin this journey be ready to join the new force of student leadership that will safeguard the good wishes and will not the well-meaning distance education students..
I hereby beseech you to act responsibly and position yourselves to pick up leadership roles as you journey as a distance education student. DESA is ready to give you the space to operate as a potential leader and a tool for nation building lifting high the banner of good deeds and trumpeting the message of hard work and discipline.
This day marks a new page in your lives and a new beginning, write your own story, and your own experience, be fierce and be firm in the pursuit of reaching your dreams, don’t take no as an answer, question the NO’s but do so with respect. On behalf of the DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION, I say a very big Congratulations to you all and Akwaaba to the land of possibilities.
Long live DESA-UEW!!
Long live UEW!!
Long live our Homeland GHANA!!!!
Signed H.E. Ebenezer Yaw Ocran
National President DESA-UEW