The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region has held its annual HOPE Roadshow, engaging fresh and continuing students, National Service personnel, staff and Management in a three-day programme centred on the University’s core values of Honesty, Opportunity, Perseverance and Enterprise (HOPE).
Day One of the 2026 Roadshow featured an address by the Registrar, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong who formally welcomed Level 100 students and described the HOPE initiative as a continuous exercise designed to guide students toward purpose, responsibility and leadership. It was held at the Auditorium, Multi-Purpose Building. The session introduced fresh students to the theme, “Embracing the HOPE Journey: Reflections on the UESD Corporate Values.”
Explaining the concept behind the Roadshow, the Registrar noted that just as roads lead to destinations, the HOPE initiative serves as a guide throughout students’ academic journey and beyond. She added humorously that one can walk, run or drive on a road but cannot swim on it, emphasising that roads are meant to lead people to their destination. She described the annual Roadshow as a reminder of the University’s purpose and mandate.
She stressed that UESD, established under Act 898(2015), operates within a defined legal and ethical framework and is committed to shaping minds, building character and producing agents of change for Ghana, Africa and the world. Reiterating the University’s vision to be a centre of excellence in knowledge gathering and dissemination in environment and sustainable development for the public good, the Registrar reminded students that the institution’s mission is to produce graduates with relevant knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development.
She explained that HOPE is not merely a slogan but a way of life at UESD, urging students to stand firmly by their values and emphasised honesty as the foundation of academic and personal integrity, cautioning students against examination malpractice, plagiarism, impersonation and dishonest collaboration. She reminded them that degrees obtained through fraud could be withdrawn even years after graduation, stressing that honesty protects students’ dignity and the reputation of the University.
On opportunity, Mrs Agyepong urged students to recognise their admission as a privilege and a platform for growth. She reminded them that every student begins with a grade point average of 0.00 and the choices they make throughout their academic journey will determine their outcomes. They should actively participate in lectures, leadership roles, student governance and community engagement initiatives.
Day Two focused on continuing students, who reflected on their academic journey and shared how the HOPE values have shaped their experiences. Students recounted testimonies of growth, resilience and transformation, with many highlighting the Community-Based Experiential Learning (CoBEL) programme (undertaken during long vacation, by students entering Level 300) as one of the most impactful aspects of their education.
They described CoBEL as a practical learning experience that bridges classroom theory with real-life community engagement. The students noted that the programme strengthened their commitment to honesty in data collection and reporting, expanded their networks with traditional leaders and stakeholders, and deepened their perseverance through real-life community challenges. They added that the experience nurtured an enterprising mindset, enabling them to develop innovative solutions to community problems.
Beyond CoBEL, the young adults shared experiences in student leadership, beauty pageantry and extracurricular activities, explaining that these opportunities enhanced their confidence, leadership capacity and personal development.
In her closing remarks, the Chairperson and Dean of Students, Prof. (Mrs). Daniella D. Sedegah, expressed pride in the testimonies shared and encouraged students to appreciate the privilege of being part of UESD’s evolving history. She urged them to consistently embody the University’s core values and to develop essential life skills such as tolerance, teamwork, patience and prudent financial management.
Day Three featured separate engagement sessions for Management members, senior members (teaching and non-teaching) and junior staff, who reflected on the HOPE values and discussed their impact on institutional work culture and service delivery.