TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology graduates 137
TUCEE Institute of Counselling and Technology has graduated about 137 students with a call on them to make positive impact on the mental health of individuals and foster an environment that would empower individuals to share their fears, insecurities and uncertainties without fear of being judged and rejected.
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The graduands comprise 46 males and 91 females.
It was on the theme: “Strength in vulnerability: Promoting sound mental health for all”.
The Founder and Principal of TUCEE Institute, Dr Cecilia Tutu-Danquah, who made the call at the school’s ninth graduation ceremony, said the graduands were positioned to understand the profound truth that lay in embracing human vulnerabilities.
She said, “it takes strength to acknowledge one's vulnerabilities, to empathise with the struggles of others, and to create a safe space where individuals can confront their own challenges.”
Ceremony
The Principal also called on the Ministry of Education to train and recruit professional counselors, who would handle and attend to mental health issues of students in the country.
She said the aim of the institution was to transform the universe through counselling, education, and empowerment hence urged the graduands to create a sound and conducive environment for all.
She said as counsellors, they were entrusted to help others navigate the complex issues of mental health and psychological wellbeing hence she encouraged them to be the source of strength and comfort to everyone that came their way.
“Your role as counsellors is not to provide all the answers but to facilitate a process where individuals can discover their own strengths and resilience even in their challenges.
"In the process of guiding others, however, do not forget the importance of self-reflection and self-care,” she said.
She advised them to embrace their own weaknesses to strengthen their own mental well-being so as to serve as an authentic and inspiring guide for others.
Mental health awareness
A Specialist and Psychiatrist at the Pantang Hospital, Dr Nana Dansoah Nuamah, said there was a need for all to rise and promote mental health awareness, saying “true strength is found in our ability to ask for help, to mindfully share our struggles, and to lean on others for support when needed.”
That, she said, required a safe and supportive environment, where everyone can be vulnerable without being judged, rejected and harmed.
She urged graduands to create an environment that encouraged open conversations about mental health and its related challenges through empowering every member of society to get timely quality psychosocial support whenever necessary.
“As mental health professionals and concerned individuals, we must all commit, in one way or the other, to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide resources for others to better understand and manage their mental health,” Dr Nuamah said.
Conscious
The Chairperson, Ama Obeng Berkyaw, advised graduands to be open minded and honest about their feelings and experiences as that would help them become conscious about the changing scenes of life.
She entreated the graduands to apply the knowledge acquired to equip themselves with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and the confidence to navigate the uncharted territories.
Appreciation
The Valedictorian, Daniel Kyei Dapaah, on behalf of all the graduating students, expressed the graduands appreciation to the entire management and staff for their maximum contribution towards their academic success.
