Hess Corporation has launched the third annual scholarship awards program in conjunction with the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) to support academically qualified, but underprivileged students. This year’s award winners in the “Hess/GNPC Scholars Program” will enter school mid to late October 2014.
Hess is a leading global independent energy company licensed to operate the Deepwater Tano/Cape Three Point (DWT-CTP) Block in Ghana.
In making the announcement, Sandra Gentile, General Manager of Hess Ghana Exploration Ltd, said that 100 scholars have been selected to participate in programs with six partner institutions this year. Since its inception in 2012, the program has benefited 271 students, including this year’s scholars.
Ms. Gentile emphasized that the number of awards in the first year (71) was based on the need to develop the program efficiently and measure success. “After this program was successfully tested, we were pleased to be able to expand it to 100 scholars in the second year and continue awarding that same number this year,” Gentile said, speaking at Nsien Secondary School, near Axim in the Western Region.
The Hess/GNPC Scholar Program targets students in three districts – Nzema East, Jomoro and Ellembelle – with emphasis on girls’ education. It fully covers the entire government-approved cost (e.g., boarding fees, administrative fees, books, kits, uniforms) and other auxiliary costs (e.g., trunk, chop box, mattress, sheets, pocket money) for three years of Senior High School, Vocational Training or Health Training (Nursing), depending on the applicant’s choice.
The scholars were selected through an application process supported by the District Education Department (DED), which distributed and received applications via its supervisors. Each district was given 150 application forms to distribute. Criteria for selection were based on BECE scores, a personal statement, chosen program, gender and home situation to balance the level of need with academic achievement. Shortlisted candidates were individually interviewed by a committee comprising District Representatives, Hess Corporation management and the GNPC.
To ensure scholars are optimally supported, they will be monitored by the Hess/GNPC Scholars Program on a regular basis throughout their studies. Gentile added that through a Memorandum of Understanding, partner institutions would also be regularly visited and the program will work with them to assess progress and ensure the scholars’ success.
Gentile shared some of the achievements of Hess-GNPC Scholars in their various schools, such as presidential awards, prefect positions, and representation at national mathematics and science quiz competitions. She appealed to parents and the community at large to provide maximum support to the scholars in other diverse ways to further ensure their success.
Hess Corporation believes in growing communities and enriching the lives of people in the areas in which it operates and therefore provides encouragement to school children living in the three districts to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Mr. Alex Mould, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, lauded the collaboration between his company and Hess Corporation. While commending Hess for their support of the program, he encouraged the girls to study science since it is a pre-requisite for entry into the oil and gas industry.
He announced that an advisory council will be set up with all partners to develop an educational policy for the communities in which they operate.
Mr. Evans Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, urged the scholars to be studious and respectful, adding, they must endeavor to keep their surroundings clean to avoid infectious diseases.
He encouraged both companies to continue investments in the education of communities in which they operate.
In early 2011, as Hess’ activities in Ghana began to grow, it assessed health and educational needs in Ghana and the coastal Western Region in particular to identify potential areas where the company could make a measurable, sustainable difference. One of the outcomes of that assessment was The Hess/GNPC Scholars Program, which was developed in partnership with GNPC.