The Obuasi Area Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) has partnered the Municipal Education Directorate to organise a day’s guidance and counselling seminar for final year Junior High School students in Obuasi.
Pastor Vincent Ephraim Amegah, who represented the Area Head, Prophet David Kankam of Bidieso District at the seminar explained that the aim was to help bridge the gap between passion and profession, and ensure that the choices the children make are aligned with their deepest values and aspirations.
About 3,000 students, drawn from 60 schools in the Obuasi Municipality, were guided by seasoned professionals on career paths and their related courses.
Pastor Amegah, quoting Proverbs 22:6 charged believers to train up a child in the way they should go, and when they grow old will not depart from it.
He added the need for parents to train up their children in the way of wisdom and to live in the fear of God.
He stressed that many children who have received good training have shown the way of wisdom later in life.
The pastor emphasised that the church had a role to play in shaping the lives of children and for that matter, the Church of Pentecost was always committed through their school outreach ministry to guide children to become prominent members of the society.
Mr. George Alfred Koomson, the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, said the Education directorate has identified a gap in career choices and the capabilities of the children, hence the collaboration with PEMEM to sensitise the students on the need to make the right choices.
He said in the world of endless possibilities and opportunities, it was important for the students to navigate their career paths with clarity, purpose and intentionality.
This, he said, calls for guidance and counseling to serve as a beacon of life shaping to make good choices in life.
Mr. Koomson advised school children not to make choices by imitating their peers, emphasising that each individual has their own potential.
Victor Nuamah, of the Psychiatry Unit of the Obuasi Government Hospital, revealed that depression cases involving Junior High School leavers who do not meet their aspirations are on the high.
He said the unit receives not less than 10 cases of depression or anxiety related disorder of JHS leavers who did not get their preferred schools or courses.
He described the situation as worrying and called for support of stakeholders towards the children at that stage.
He expressed the view that this is where the churches and family can come in and support the children to overcome any form of anxiety related disorders and depression.
He reminded children that academic successes largely depend on an individual’s efforts and not the school or course area.
Master Sam Emmanuel Bosomtwe Bekoe, a student of AngloGold Ashanti JHS said the programme opened their eyes on the need to make good career decisions, while commending the organisers for bringing experts onboard to guide and counsel them.
He said it was important for students to structure their lives very well even before they go to Senior High school.
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