SLTF to raise global student leaders through mentorship, bootcamps

The Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) says it is considering plans to equip the capacity of students leaders through mentorship programmes and training sessions.

The move according to the trust fund, is aimed at producing world-class leaders for national development.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the fund, Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah who gave the hint during a summit organised by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) said the scheme recognizes the potential of students in exploring the solutions to global challenges and the realities on the job market.

“The SLTF wants to mentor students to help them come out with solutions to some of these challenges. Towards this end, we are considering a boot camp every two or three years for student leadership to familiarize themselves into the principles of leadership as well as the current best practices.”

The Summit which was under the theme; Fostering greater cooperation for tertiary education development, brought together local NUGS secretaries from various tertiary institutions to discuss the operations of the fund.

“The relationship we want to build with student leadership is not only communication with the scheme. We also want to serve as mentors. So we’re thinking of having boot camps to train leaders. We need to have interaction with the student leaders to fashion the way the scheme operates. So we will do a need assessment and know the areas of our leadership deficit and help them build skills in those areas. This is something we are putting on the table; to discuss with the students leaders so that we have a comprehensive plan”, the CEO added.

Loan amount up by 50 percent

Meanwhile, management of the fund indicated that there had been an upward adjustment of the loan amount by 50 percent.

“Over the past two years, we have been responsible to our clients. In fulfillment of the NPP’s manifesto promise, the loan amount was increased by 50 percent which has increased students’ interest. It is important that all tertiary students who may need the services of the fund to know of its existence and to do this, we need the full cooperation of all students”, the CEO added.

Concerns of student’s leaders

On his part, Tinkaro Asare Osei, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) said although the fund is striving to assist students in distress, he appealed to management to find innovative ways to deal with the challenges that continue to bedevil students who want to access the loans.

“Many of our students complain of delay in the payment of loan which in a way hinders them from accessing their allocation in time. The issue of guarantors is also a major challenge to the students. Students also complain about the unspecified amount of loans paid students on semester basis which does not give them the room to plan from time to time. The SLTF is a proactive and responsible organization that is always excited to work with students, I hope this forum ensures that these challenges are addressed.”