Ex-Students of GTHS Bamenda Return to Inspire, Reward and Support Students
By Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy
Former students of Government Technical High School (GTHS) Bamenda and Government Technical College (GTC) Bamenda, under the umbrella of the GTC/GTHS Bamenda Ex-Students Association (GOTHSBESA), have once again demonstrated their commitment to education and youth empowerment through a prize award and scholarship ceremony organized at the school campus in Bamenda.
The event, which brought together students, teachers, education officials, ex-students and invited guests, was marked by the donation of scholarships, academic prizes and technical tools aimed at encouraging excellence in technical education.
Among personalities present at the ceremony were Taboh Josephine, who represented the Divisional Officer for Bamenda III Subdivision, alongside officials from the Regional Delegation of Secondary Education.
Speaking during the ceremony, the National President of GOTHSBESA, Cheo Gilbert, said the initiative was born out of the desire to promote academic excellence and give back to the institution that shaped many successful professionals across the country and beyond.
“This is the second edition of the initiative and our main objective is to promote academic excellence,” he said. “We are hoping for more sponsorship and support so that this project can continue and grow.”
According to him, the association awarded 20 scholarships worth 25,000 FCFA each, amounting to 500,000 FCFA in tuition support for students facing financial difficulties. In addition, more than 70 academic and practical prizes were handed to students to support hands-on learning in various technical fields.
The awards also recognized extracurricular excellence, including categories for the most influential teachers, neatest male and female students, and other outstanding performers.
Cheo Gilbert emphasized that the association’s mission goes beyond rewarding academic performance.
“We are not only promoting academics, but also encouraging technical skills, discipline and extracurricular development. Technical education remains the backbone of national development,” he noted.
He further explained that many members of the association are today engineers, accountants, directors, senior administrators and professionals occupying strategic positions in society, and they believe it is important to return and support younger generations.
“We all passed through this institution. It gave us the foundation that made us who we are today. That is why we feel the need to come back and help the younger ones grow,” he added.
The Principal of GTHS Bamenda, Sange Peter Atu, praised the ex-students for what he described as a remarkable and inspiring gesture toward their former school.
“I am very impressed with what the ex-students are doing to encourage students and teachers,” he said. “They did it last year and they are doing it again this year. They even go as far as paying school fees for bright but needy students and supporting underprivileged learners.”
The principal described the initiative as an investment in the future, expressing hope that the current students would one day continue the same spirit of giving back.
One of the beneficiaries, Ngechu Ephraim Bingnwi, a Civil Engineering student, expressed gratitude to the ex-students for motivating learners through the awards and scholarships.
“This initiative really encourages us,” he said. “Sometimes studies are difficult, but support like this motivates students to work harder and focus on their future.”
He also thanked his teachers and parents for their constant encouragement and support throughout his academic journey, while promising to one day contribute to the development of younger students after leaving school.
Another award winner, Njah Shira Semirnyu, Best Student in Clothing Industry Level 5, described receiving the prize as a proud and emotional moment.
“It was not easy to earn this prize because I had to work very hard for it,” she said. “I am very grateful to my teachers and the ex-students for encouraging us.”
Mbaijong Ezekiel, who represented the North West Regional Delegate of Secondary Education at the ceremony, commended both the school administration and the ex-students association for sustaining the culture of excellence in technical education.
The representative noted that the ex-students clearly understand the realities and challenges faced by learners because they once walked the same path.
“They know the difficulties students go through and they are bringing exact solutions to those challenges,” he stated.
He further stressed that technical education should no longer be viewed as an option for weak students, but rather as a key driver of development requiring brilliant and innovative minds.
“We have come of age to correct the misconception that technical education is for slow learners. Technical education is the driving force for development and should attract top-notch students,” he added.
The ceremony ended with words of encouragement to students to remain focused on their studies, embrace practical skills and continue building a culture of unity and excellence within the institution.
For many present at the event, the ceremony was more than just the distribution of prizes. It was a powerful reminder that education, mentorship and community support remain essential pillars for shaping the future of young people in Cameroon.
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