Ghana’s premium insurance company, Hollard Group Ghana, honoured the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) with the first-ever Streetwise Finance Mentorship program, which sought to impact and prepare students for the job market and the value of financial literacy.
The maiden edition of the Streetwise Mentorship Program, hosted at the GIJ new campus at Dzorwulu on Friday, July 29 dubbed; “Getting ready for the World of Work” witnessed students fill the main auditorium as astute personalities across the Hollard Group and experienced lecturers shared their amateur beginnings with the congregation.
The event commenced with the opening remarks from Mrs. Rhodalene Amartey, Dean of Students of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), as she reiterated the essence of such mentorship forums for students.
According to her, “For university students, it’s mostly books and always in class learning as we tend to ignore the practical knowledge and the fact that life is best lived in practice. I feel very pleased when such opportunities like these are organized for students to give them insights of the outside world.”
On her part, Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Hollard Ghana, Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo stated, “I’m very happy we as a company, have been able to bring this initiative to bare. We want to spread knowledge about financial literacy to people at a very young age and especially students in order to prep them for the outside world and for them to live their dream live.”
She further disclosed that through the “Hollard X Academia” partnership with GIJ, students will be entitled to intern with the group.
The two phased programme moderated by Mawena Azumah involved experienced panellists including Dorothy Salifu (Head of Operations, Hollard Life Assurance), Alexander Osei Mensah (General Manager- Operations, Hollard Insurance), Richard Ahulu (Chief Financial Officer, Hollard Group), Noel Nutsugah (Public Relations lecturer, GIJ) for the first sessions as they discussed the topic; “Having a financially literate and entrepreneurial mindset”.
Students were drilled through the essence of financial planning, investing for the dream future and cultivating an entrepreneurial attitude capable of channelling solutions within their environment.
Madam Dorothy Salifu, admonished students to live within their means and develop a savings habit.
“You never have enough. No matter how small an amount is you need to live within your means. No matter how much comes to you, there’s a portion you need to spend and not spend for saving and other investment plans. It might be very little but we need to preach about habits and find something little to save.”
On his part, Alexander Osei Mensah distinguished between financial literacy and planning. He said, “Planning is protecting your money, while financial literacy is helping you plan and plan well to achieve whatever you desire. Investment is deferred consumption. Have the future in mind and aim to fulfill it.”
Richard Awulu also reiterated, “Knowing how to manage your finances is financial literacy and we need to know that your salary is not all for consumption. You should know what needs to be spent, invested and saved, and charity. Managing your financial resources is very important to our lives.”
Noel Nutusgah encouraged students to start little and grow through their first-hand experiences regardless of the failures. To him, “Failures give us priceless lessons and experiences that come in handy in our lives.”
He further recommended that financial literacy needs to be included in the teaching syllabus at the basic levels.
The second session involved speakers with the likes of Cynthia Ofori-Dwumfuo (Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs) and Ike Tandoh (Lecturer and a Brands Strategist) amongst other distinguished speakers as they shared, “What I wish I knew as a student planning for my future.”
Students were advised to have a good representation since appearance speaks volumes in the corporate world. Improve and build positive relations with people that come along their journey, be purpose-driven and have a good attitude to work.
In between the sessions, there was a breakout period where students were convened into various groups as they had interactions with experienced executives from the Hollard Group on financial planning, what to do to prepare for the working world, choosing a career path and how to engage and work with a mentor.
The impactful event saw the presence of Mr. Daniel Boi Addo (Managing Director, Hollard Group), Mr. Federick Lamptey (General Manager, Business Development), and Nashiru Iddrisu ( Managing Director, Hollard Life) among others.
By: Jude Tackie
