The final year Junior High School (JHS) students in Obuasi recently received a significant boost as they prepare for their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), thanks to a collaborative effort between the Church of Pentecost and the Municipal Education Directorate. This initiative, a two-day guidance and counseling seminar, was designed as a *BECE empowerment seminar*, focusing on crucial aspects of career guidance and mental health awareness. The seminar brought together experienced professionals to mentor approximately 3,000 students from 60 schools in Obuasi, representing a substantial investment in the future of these young individuals, equipping them with the necessary tools for informed decision-making as they approach a pivotal moment in their education.

The *BECE empowerment seminar* addressed a critical need often overlooked in the academic journey of JHS students: comprehensive career guidance and mental health support. Many students find themselves making uninformed career choices, often due to a lack of proper guidance and understanding of the diverse opportunities available to them. This seminar sought to bridge that gap, providing students with the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions about their future educational and professional paths. Furthermore, by addressing mental health, the seminar aimed to foster a supportive environment where students feel empowered to manage stress and seek help when needed.

According to the Obuasi Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, David Kankam Beditor, the seminar aimed at “guiding the students to make the right career choices as they take a giant step towards their academic pursuits.”

The seminar covered a range of essential topics designed to broaden the students’ understanding of career possibilities and promote mental well-being. Experienced professionals guided students on various career paths and the related courses needed to pursue them. The benefits of making informed career choices were emphasized, providing practical insights into different career fields and helping students align their interests and aptitudes with potential career options. A key component of the seminar was a mental health awareness campaign. Students learned about effective strategies for managing stress, coping with anxiety, and maintaining overall mental well-being, crucial skills as they navigate the pressures of preparing for the BECE. The campaign aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging students to seek help and support when needed, fostering a culture of openness and understanding.

Mr. Koomson, the Obuasi Municipal Director of Education, stated that the seminar was a result of research that “identified a gap in career choices and the capabilities of the students.”

The Church of Pentecost views shaping the lives of children as a core responsibility, deeply intertwined with their faith and community outreach. Through its school outreach ministry, the church is dedicated to providing consistent guidance to children as they navigate their career paths and make critical decisions about their future. The church also emphasizes the importance of faith and living by the word of God as foundational principles for harnessing one’s full potential. This holistic approach, combining practical guidance with spiritual values, reflects the Church of Pentecost’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Prophet Beditor emphasized that the Church of Pentecost is “always committed through its school outreach ministry to provide the right guidance to children as they navigate through their career paths to become prominent members of the society.”

The *BECE empowerment seminar* has garnered positive feedback, with students expressing their appreciation for the valuable insights and guidance they received. Many lauded the seminar for its positive impact on their understanding of career options, noting that it helped them broaden their perspectives and make more informed decisions about their future educational paths. Some students even urged the government to make such seminars a requirement in all schools, recognizing the significant benefit they provide in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The success of this seminar highlights the need for similar initiatives across the country, ensuring that all students have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

Students speaking with the media “commended the organizers for the seminar” and “admonished the government to make this a requirement in all schools.”

The *BECE empowerment seminar* organized by the Church of Pentecost and the Municipal Education Directorate in Obuasi represents a vital step towards empowering young students to make informed career choices and prioritize their mental well-being. By providing targeted guidance and support, this initiative has the potential to shape the future of these students, contributing to their personal growth and the overall development of the community. The seminar’s success highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between religious organizations, educational institutions, and the government in addressing the holistic needs of students as they prepare for the BECE and beyond. This *BECE empowerment seminar* serves as a model for future initiatives, demonstrating the profound impact that can be achieved when communities come together to invest in the next generation.