PEMEM Empowers Over 2,000 BECE Candidates in Obuasi

Obuasi: The Obuasi Area Men's Ministry (PEMEM) of the Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Obuasi Municipal Education Directorate, has organised a guidance and counselling seminar for final-year Junior High School pupils in the municipality. According to Ghana News Agency, the seminar brought together more than 2,000 candidates preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from 56 public and private schools across Obuasi. It aimed at equipping the pupils with the knowledge and confidence required to make informed academic and career choices as they prepare for the next stage of their education. Mr Daniel Asare, Obuasi Area Secretary of PEMEM, stated that the initiative was designed to provide the right guidance for pupils at a critical point in their educational journey. 'This is the right impetus the pupils need as they prepare for their BECE. Over the years, many have made wrong choices due to lack of proper guidance,' he said. The seminar featured experienced professionals wh o interacted with the pupils on various career paths, subject combinations, and the long-term benefits of making informed decisions. Sessions on mental health awareness were also included to help the candidates manage stress and build resilience during the examination period. Mr Asare emphasised the important role parents played in shaping the future of their children, explaining that the Men's Ministry was motivated to support both pupils and families in navigating career decisions. He also highlighted the need for spiritual development, encouraging the pupils to uphold faith-based values as a way of unlocking their full potential. The seminar, now in its third consecutive year, was commended by Mr Emmanuel Agyei Danso of the Guidance and Counselling Unit of the Municipal Education Directorate, who described it as impactful and a demonstration of the Church's commitment to community development. He said the programme was developed following extensive research by the Directorate, which revealed a gap betwee n pupils' career choices and their academic abilities. 'We partnered with the Church of Pentecost to address this gap, and the programme has proven to be very effective,' he noted, adding that the success of previous editions informed the decision to sustain the initiative this year. Mr Danso advised parents to take a more active interest in their children's education, particularly as they prepare for their final examinations, and urged them to work closely with teachers in selecting appropriate senior high schools and courses. Some of the pupils who participated in the seminar expressed appreciation to the organisers and appealed to the government to make such guidance and counselling programmes a standard feature in schools nationwide.