The University for Development Studies (UDS) has launched its Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) at a ceremony in Kumasi with a call on students to take keen interest in community outreach programmes.

Professor Gabriel Ayum Teye, the Pro Vice-Chancellor, said given their expertise and knowledge, they are better-positioned to undertake research, identify and provide solutions to development challenges – barriers to growth and to fight the unacceptably high level of poverty in deprived communities.

The TTFPP - a flagship practical-oriented programme of the university seeks to expose students to the practical aspect of their academic work to build their capacity for effective work after graduation.

This year’s programme involves the deployment of over 9,000 students to more than 700 rural and underprivileged communities in Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo Regions.

They would carry out research and engage the people to know their primary difficulties in order to make appropriate recommendations to the beneficiary district assemblies.

The students and lecturers, numbering 128, are working in groups to provide useful community services between now and the end of July.

Prof. Teye said the expectation was that, they would generate data for further research to promote development, adding that, the goal is to aid students to have a more favourable disposition towards working in rural and deprived areas.

Prof. Agnes Apusiga, Dean of the UDS Faculty of Education, asked the students to attach importance to the project since it formed part of their academic programme, leading to the award of certificates.