Augusco Trajectory: From Augustinian To Apsunian

Ordinarily to come third in any contest is not a bad thing as it invariably guarantees the competitor a place on the rostrum and a bronze medal. But this is certainly not the case when it comes to inter-college sports competitions involving the three established Cape Coast boys schools.

Listed in terms of age - Mfantsipim School (1876), Adisadel College (1910) and St. Augustine's College (1930), the rivalry between these schools is extremely fierce, and to come third in any competition involving them is interpreted as coming last. I remember a particular year when Augusco pipped Kwabotwe by just half a point. So they came second, with Adisco coming third. Those were the days when the school sports masters had to be formidable mathematicians. The point scoring system used was fluid and taking your eye off the score board for just a second could cost you dearly.

To their eternal credit, Messrs Hope of Kwabotwe and L.A.K Sackey of Augusco were particularly vigilant sports masters. I believe that they hardly blinked in the course of any competition. This is perhaps the kind of fortitude required by the Ghanaian political party agents who represent their parties at the Electoral Commission strong room during elections.

Last week l received some pleasant news. My beloved Augusco emerged tops at both the 2014 inter-college and super zonals competitions. I haven't yet bothered to find out which of our regional neighbours (or is it rivals) came second and third. Any guesses?

Congratulations go to team Augusco. APSU is extremely proud of you. We look forward to meeting you on Saturday, March 15th as Augusco celebrates its 84th Anniversary with the theme: “Sustaining the Legacy and Dignity of Our Alma Mater: The Role of the Alumni”. This year's Speech Day is being hosted by APSU 1989 and their project is to give the College Assembly Hall a major facelift. The event will be chaired by Ing. Dr Daniel Duaquaye Darku and Prof. Kweku Osam both distinguished APSUNIANS.

According to Freddie Quainoo, Chairman of APSU 89: “The total project cost for refurbishing the Assembly Hall was originally pegged at GHC 100,000 however, there is now an additional cost of GHC 50,000 for the roof which was not part of the initial scope of work. We realized the situation with the roof after we ripped off the ceiling for the T & G works”

“The situation was even clearer after the 6th March 2014 rains as work on the project was in progress. We are going to work on that as well after the speech day since it may ultimately affect the works we have already done” he noted.

The project involves - demolition/alteration works, joinery, metal works, electricals, new works, painting & decorating and preliminary work and the key materials used include: - plastic P&G paint: externall and interior, soffits of slabs, screen walls, soffits of staircase and soffits of ceiling.

Please join me in commending the underlisted members of APSU 1989 who are working tirelessly on the project. They are: Freddie Quainoo (Chairman), Gerard Boakye (Vice Chairman & Group Convener), Tony Akwetea Mensah (Chief of Staff), Roland Sasago Bessa Kwao Adotey (Project committee), Dominic Dorkenoo (Finance Committee), Richard Abrokwah Kokrokoo (Finance Committee), Jules Sarkodie (Editor & Events Committee( and Kwesi Ansah (Organizing Committee).

As we boast about our alma maters, we should get actively involved in the college activities. We owe it to support them in every way possible. It is a shared responsibility. While on the subject of shared responsibility I am happy to announce some positive developments.

The government has just started the construction of the 13th House of Residence behind the St. Joseph's/John's Houses whilst the 12th House being put up by Dr. Papa Kwasi Nduom is at the plastering stage. Meanwhile work on the 11th House (funded by the GETFund) remains stalled at the roofing level. The second Classroom Block (near the Dining Hall) being undertaken by APSU '88 will be commissioned at this speech day.

The Adjaye brothers – Prof. Joseph Adjaye (APSU 1957) and Dr. Robert Adjaye (APSU 64) have successfully converted the City of God into the Second Computer Laboratory fully furnished and ready for commissioning. The PTA has also refurnished the Junior Science Laboratory awaiting equipment. Over the last two years, the PTA has succeeded in renovating all ten existing Houses as well as the replacement of all WCs in the washrooms.

The message to all APSUNIANS is: “Aside from the more obvious choice of making donations of money (for which there is practically no upper bound), there can be an equally valuable way of helping your alma mater: Your time”.

Perhaps no other intervention in the lives of young people makes as much intuitive sense as the concept of mentoring by caring and competent adults. Fortunately, in the case of high school mentoring, these intuitive good feelings are well supported by research. Students who take part in carefully planned, long-term mentoring programs have higher grade-point averages, are more likely to proceed to tertiary institutions and report improved social and family relationships. Additionally, these students are less likely to drop out of school, use drugs or engage in other high-risk behaviours. However, good mentoring programs take effort, resources, commitment and a clear understanding of what research tells us about successful mentoring.

Mentoring programs can provide these students with emotional support, encourage them to be more involved in schooling, and help as they transition from school to work. The impact of mentoring programs designed to encourage students to complete high school has been well documented. Mentors offer friendship, guidance and positive role models while instilling the social skills needed in the workplace. Jekielek et al (2002) found that students with the highest risk of dropping out benefited the most from mentoring. Their grades improved and they were more likely to pursue postsecondary education. She also found that the more positive the perception of the mentoring relationship, the better the outcome for the students involved. The most successful mentoring programs were highly structured, driven by the needs of the youth involved, and provided mentors with in-depth training.

When most people think about giving back to their alma mater, money they don't have to spare comes to mind. Sure, their college experience was one they'll never forget, and it helped them to make progress in life, but sparing extra funds just is tough thanks the overwhelming pressure of modern day demands. They want to show thanks to their alma mater, but just can't afford to contribute financially. So they ignore the fundraising requests sent to them.

There are lots of other ways to help your alma mater without breaking the bank. Getting involved with your local alumni chapter and playing an active role to ensure your alma mater is well represented in the community is just as important as giving money back to your alma mater. It's an effective way to stay in touch with your alma mater.

As APSU President, Dr Anthony Osei observes: “Each time we gather together as APSUNIANS, we bear witness to the greatness of our alma mater and affirm its strength and achievements. I like to think that our forebears, who masterfully combined academic and social life, would be delighted that the tradition goes on”.

“We recall the values and enduring ideals that bind us together, and make us great and strong. Our allegiance to Augusco and its motto – “Omnia Vincit Labor” is indeed a call to action. Let us together embrace with solemn duty the spirit of team work, volunteerism and our civic responsibilities. By our actions, we can create a future of cooperation, tolerance and harmony in this country and beyond”.

“Our generation can leave a legacy of opportunity and advancement in all spheres of human endeavour. Your contribution can give rise to a better world. You can make a real difference no matter what field you have chosen to work in. It is up to all of us collectively to make things happen”.

I would argue that every person needs a mentor. In fact, I have more than one. One is supportive and inspirational, and the other challenges me and encourages me to dream bigger and go higher. Roger Babson said it best: “The good that is in you is the good that you do for others.”

It is only through the combined efforts of APSU, the Board of Governors, the PTA and the school administration that remarkable outcomes can be achieved. Let each and every one of us be part of the process of building a strong Union which will reflect in the fortunes of the school.

We owe it to our alma mater to give back generously. And as the good book reminds us in Corinthians 9:7. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.