Friday May 27^th, 2005

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) held an Opening Reception that was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Philip Acolatse (�82) to welcome the participants in the OMSU North America 4^th Annual General Meeting.

Saturday May 28^th, 2005

At 9:30am, the President, Evans Afenya (�76), called the General Meeting to order with a prayer from Henry Afenya (�77) and Philip Dowetin (�90). Members present introduced themselves briefly and as usual the President introduced �Standing Orders� for the conduct of the meeting and members present were called upon to pay their membership dues in order to exercise their voting rights. The Secretary, Divine Amoah (�79), read the minutes of the 2004 Annual General Meeting. Henry motioned for the minutes to be accepted and was seconded by Kobla Glakpe (�67); the acceptance vote was unanimous.

Reports & Messages

-         Message from OMSU National President, Moses Tetteh (�64) was read by Pat Ocloo-Dzaba (�90) (See Attachment 1).

-         Message from the Headmaster of Mawuli School, Mr. David Afudego (�74), was read by Philip Dowetin (�90) (See Attachment 2).

-         OMSU-NA financial report for 2004/05 was delivered by the Treasurer Doreen Dedume Williams (�78) (See Attachment 3). She continued the collection of dues and donations for the 2005/2006 Fiscal Year at the Meeting.

-         State of OMSU-NA report was delivered by the President Evans Afenya (�76). He presented figures to show that the Union is growing stronger in membership each year. Evans also made a Power point presentation of OMSU-NA Projects and Programs at Mawuli School that included; a) Replacement of Louvers and Shutters of the Long and White Block Classrooms, b) Phases 1 and 2 of the Re-roofing of the Long Block, c) Tiling Work on the floors of the Sick Bay, d) A Proposed Grants Scheme for Teachers being worked on in collaboration with OMSU-UK, e) A Teaching Excellence Workshop for Teachers to be held in September 2005, and f) Development of collaborative activities with OMSU-UK and OMSU-Ghana. He later introduced Theo Afenya, OMSU-NA Projects and Programs Representative in Ghana, and called on members present to ask him any questions related to the on-going projects at the school.

Reports from Year Groups & Interest Groups

-         1979 Year Group: Report was given by Elliot Rennison on the projects yet to be undertaken since nothing new happened within the past year.

-         1990 Year Group: Prince Hodogbey conveyed greetings from friends and well-wishers within and around the North America. He reported that the group has a balance of $2,000.00 out of a beginning balance of $2,800.00 in its coffers. The year group raised funds from the sale of T-shirts, lapel pins and the collection of dues from group members.  It was announced that the group�s next project will be the repairing of Mawuli School�s main entrance gate during 2005/06 school year.

-         Mawuli Fund (MF): Yao Ababio said MF had nothing to report.

-         Trost Memorial (TM): The PRO of TM Henry Afenya reported there are still unresolved issues with MF.

Discussion of Issues:

There was a lively discussion on several issues confronting our alma mater and the most notable are summarized as follows:

• Projects: Kobla Agbanyo raised an issue about how many projects were to be tackled in a year. Students� involvement in painting of the school facilities as part of their academic program was discussed. It was suggested that professional painters can supervise the students on these efforts. This is something that could be further investigated to see its viability, with PTA involvement. Current Mawuli students are to be encouraged to use their hand in projects as the school motto says �HEAD, HEART, and HAND�.

• Members expressed concern over the relatively dormant nature of OMSU-Ghana in the area of raising funds for developments at the school. Members lamented that �donor fatigue� could soon set in since its becoming apparent that OMSU-NA is the only organization consistently providing the funds for projects at Mawuli.

• Mawuli Fund (MF): Yao Ababio wanted to know where Mawuli Fund (MF) stood in relation to the deliberations since there was no agenda item in that regard. The President reminded him that he was earlier given an opportunity to give a report on the activities of MF but he declined to do so. He also mentioned that there were still unresolved issues between Mawuli Fund and Trost Memorial that needed attention. After a lengthy debate it was agreed that OMSU-NA would keep giving all year groups and interest groups the opportunity to give reports on their activities as has become the normal practice at the OMSU-NA Annual Meetings. Proposals were also made under the section on �Actionable Items� that aim at forestalling �double-dipping� among groups engaged on projects and programs at Mawuli School.

• Student Performance and Admissions: Issues concerning student intake, performance, and test results were extensively discussed. It was agreed that Teacher quality was an important ingredient in the poor performance of the students. It was proposed that a resolution be sent to the Headmaster and Mawuli School Board asking that qualified and dedicated teachers be hired. The problems of overcrowding were discussed and it was suggested that the headmaster be strongly supported and urged through a resolution to continue with the program of  drastically reducing student intake to levels that could be accommodated by the existing school facilities and could be managed by the staff and administration. Members were particularly interested in specifics from the Headmaster about reductions in the student population. Other issues that were extensively discussed included; a) Dealing with the local intake (30%) through which students who do not meet the grade standard are admitted into the school and end up not doing well, b) Tasking the Mawuli School board to develop forward-looking strategies for admitting qualified students, and c) How the School Board is selected and constituted by the Ghana Education Service. As part of some of the solutions designed to tackle the poor performance of students it was suggested that all first year intakes write an assessment exam in English in order to identify the poor performing students that may need help.

• Sick Bay: Addison Agbemadzo announced that shipment of some more medical items for the school clinic would get underway in due course. He also made the commitment to pay for the repair and staffing of the clinic for its exclusive use by Mawuli students and staff. However, he made it clear that if the government was made to take over the Sick Bay as was seemingly supported by the Chair of the Mawuli School Board during the 2004 Annual General Meeting in Chicago, he may no longer be interested in helping the clinic. The OMSU-NA Executive Council is to follow up on this matter with the Chair of the Board Justice Gbadegbe and the Mawuli Headmaster.

• OMSU Website:  An issue was raised about updating the OMSU.org site. The President promised to get it fully updated and functioning by the end of July 2005 with the help of Henry Afenya (�77) and Michelle Afenya. 

ACTIONABLE ITEMS

A)    OMSU-NA will continue with projects and programs that directly impact student learning at Mawuli School.

B)     OMSU-NA will support the Teaching Excellence Workshop to be held at Mawuli School in September 2005. Pre- and post-workshop assessment tools for measuring the impact of the workshop are to be developed.

C)    OMSU-NA will collaborate with OMSU-UK in developing and finalizing a Grants Scheme for Mawuli teachers. Development of Program Assessment tools will form a part of the Grants Scheme. OMSU-NA will also collaborate with OMSU-UK and OMSU-Ghana in other areas related to academics, discipline, and revamping of the Mawuli infrastructure.

D)    The Power point Slide Show on OMSU-NA Projects and Programs, the OMSU-NA Financial Report and comprehensive summary of OMSU-NA Finances, and the Secretary�s report and all other reports will be placed on the OMSU website in due course.

E)     Project coordination and determination: It was proposed that a global body be created to coordinate the undertaking of projects at Mawuli School in order that groups and/or individuals do not end up �double-dipping� and duplicating efforts.

F)     In the next five years Mawuli will be 60 years; OMSU-NA should start early preparation by phasing out projects till the 60^th anniversary.

G)    Groups from Mawuli to lobby other groups to help in teaching the students with the aid of incentives. 

H)    OMSU-Ghana to be called upon to take action and be responsible for solving some of the problems and undertaking projects at the school. OMSU � Ghana to be 100% involved in all activities to move our dear school ahead.

The next OMSU-NA General Meeting will be held during the 2006 Memorial Day Weekend in the Washington D.C Metropolitan area. Kobla Glakpe, Pat Ocloo-Dzaba, and Selete Avoke accepted the challenge to form an LOC for the next event. 

Henry Afenya motioned for the meeting to be adjourned at 4pm and was seconded by Kobla Agbanyo.

Recorded by Patience Ocloo-Dzaba

Assistant Secretary, OMSU-NA

GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF OMSU-GHANA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2005 OMSU �NA CONGRESS

Introduction

In my capacity as President of the OMSU- Ghana branch, and also on behalf of all OMSU-Ghana members, I send you this congratulatory message on the occasion of the 2005 congress of OMSU-NA.

We have already injected a new life into the OMSU Ghana branch through a year long program of activities aimed at helping the school. For the very first time, we now have an OMSU secretariat equipped with office furniture and computers. Patronage of the secretariat has already increased and your members should visit it when they are in Ghana.  The office is located in the office premises of Mr. Dan Kpodo-Tay.

Below is the annual program for 2005   

Date                                                                                                     Event

January                                                                                     Inauguration of the OMSU secretariat.

March                                                                                      Congress of Tertiary institutions.

May                                                                                         Fellowship and Get together at the military.

July                                                                                          Inauguration of OMSU club 200.

September                                                                                Meetings of 93/ 95 year group.

 November                                                                               OMSU-Ghana congress

The above programs are in addition to our regular contributions in cash and in kind towards the smooth running of the school.

The current Board of Governors of Mawuli School Comprises five OMSU members and this has enabled us to influence the policy of the board regarding academic work and discipline. The current board is very focused on creating a new Mawuli School and we urge you to closely collaborate with us.

I wish to end by expressing our gratitude to OMSU-NA for the tremendous work you are doing and also the leadership you have exhibited in proactively dealing with matters concerning Mawuli School.

We wish you a most successful 2005 Congress.

SENIOR MOSES TETTEH

PRESIDENT OF OMSU-GHANA BRANCH 

ATTACHMENT 2

MAWULI SCHOOL

(Ghana Education Service)

Headmaster: David K. Afudego, B.sc Hons Dip Educ.

OMSU � NORTH AMERICA

2005 ANNUAL CONGRESS

MAY 27 � 29^TH 2005

MESSAGE FROM MAWULI SCHOOL HEADMASTER, MR. DAVID K. AFUDEGO

Mr. Chairman, Dr. Evans Afenya,

Haviwo (Members of OMSU � NA),

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to send a message on this memorable occasion. On behalf of the students and staff of Mawuli School I send greetings. To us, OMSU-North America is the most vibrant branch of OMSU. The students and staff cherish very much your efforts and stand by your theme �Rebuilding Our Alma Mater Through Unity, Concerted Action and a Sense of Purpose�.

This report covers the period June, 2004 to May, 2005.

Administration;

Headmaster � Mr. David K. Afudego,

Assistant Headmaster (Administration) � Mr. M.T.K Amiteye.,

Assistant Headmaster (Academic) � Rev. A. Kwadzo-Kuma.,

Assistant Headmaster (Welfare) � Yet to be appointed.

Mr. J.D Koka the former Assistant Headmaster (Academic) has been appointed Principal of E.P Teacher Training College, Amedzofe.

�          Enrolment:

The total student enrolment is 1,624. The breakdown is as follows:

 Number of Classes

Gradually, the problem of congestion is getting addressed.

�          Staffing:

The school has an adequate teaching staff as allowed by the staff quota based on enrolment of students. (Two teachers per a class of 40 students).

�          Discipline:

There is improvement in discipline. However, some students still break bounds and get punished accordingly. Some seniors still assault juniors in order to subdue them into taking orders. This approach is not encouraged by the administration.

Pilfering and normal student pranks are still in practice.

It is our hope that breaking of  bounds will be drastically minimized when the fence-wall project is completed.

�          Academic Performance:

Our placement in the SSSCE results of 2004 has shown that relatively we have performed below the 2003 results. Internally though, there is an appreciable level of improvement in our academic performance. The attached result analysis illustrates my assertion.

The teachers and students need motivation and any suitable workshops to enhance academic performance.

The staff common room is woefully inadequate in space for the present staff. What there is now lacks furniture such as teachers� writing desks, lockers and pigeon holes.

�          Sports:

The performance of our students in sports is very encouraging, especially in Handball, Table Tennis and Basketball which the students enjoy playing.

Draw-backs:

(i)                   Table Tennis � Lack of tables. The school has only one table.

(ii)                 Basketball � The pitch has deteriorated and needs re-surfacing.

Projects / Donations:

Donations have been received from various groups and individuals.

1.        OMSU � North America

�          One Panasonic fax machine

�          Two cartons of assorted first aid drugs

�          Computers, 16 CPU and 8 monitors (fairly used)

�          The group is also sponsoring the re-roofing of the 14 unit classroom block (Long block). This project is halfway through.

�          The school clinic has been painted and the floor is being tiled at the moment.

2.        OMSU � Ghana has donated ten million cedis towards the fence-wall of the school.

3.        Dr. Winfred Amoako (U.K) has donated 70 Dining Hall table tops.

4.        Mawuli School Support Group (Secretary- Mr. Mawuli Tsey) donated electrical fittings worth 3,600,000 cedis.

5.        Mawuli Fund donated 25,000 assorted books. Some of these books were given to some sister schools.

6.        An OMSU member(the name is yet to be disclosed) has brought 1000 bags cement to the school and converted them into cement blocks. He hopes to donate one girls� dormitory block to he school.

�          Awards and Scholarship:

1.        Dr. Solace Lotsu Memorial Award for the best final year biology student.

Value:

2.        MF-Joe Amanfu Scholarship.

For the best SS2 Science student going to SS3. The Scholarship is valid only for one year in SS3 in Mawuli School.

Value: Two million cedis.

3.        Mawuli-Fund Scholarship - There has been no award for 2004/2005 academic year.

�          Outstanding Projects:

We have various projects which individuals or groups can adopt.

1.        Re-surfacing of Basketball pitch/court

2.        Rehabilitation of abandoned lawn-tennis court

3.        Renovation of staff bungalows

4.        Renovation of Dormitory blocks

5.        Replacing of old air-conditioner in the headmaster�s office

6.        Replacing the old and faded carpet in the headmaster�s office

7.        Sewing of uniform for the cadet corps

8.        Lawn-mowers(we still cherish the use of the hand though)

9.        The replacement of the main gate to the School

10.     Two new dormitory blocks

11.     Renovation of junior Chemistry Laboratory

�          Estimate for Projects:

I wish to state that anytime we give estimates for any project, you are at liberty to tell us your limit.

I wish you a successful congress.

Long Live Mawuli School!

Long Live Haviwo!

ATTACHMENT 3

OMSU-NA Financial Statement For FY 2004/2005

Dues and Donations:                                          $11,336.00

Dr. Solace Lotsu funeral Donations                   $1,620.00

(OMSU-NA to use donations towards a scholarship fund in Mawuli School for best student in Biology).

Expenses:

Replacement of Broken windows                      $453.00

1^st phase of Long Block Re-roofing                  $4,000.00

2^nd phase of Long Block Re-roofing                 $3,000.00

(please refer to sheets for detailed breakdown on disbursement of funds for phases 1 & 2)

Sick Bay floor tiling                                          $700.00

Shipment of Computers                                    $639.41

Refurbishment of Computers                             $198.00

Shipment of Medical Supplies                          $320

(Supplies donated by MAP International through the efforts of Dr. Agbemadzo (�77))

Chicago Congress (Hotel Expenses)                  $1,438.25

Chicago Congress (Food)                                   $700.00

Chicago Congress (D.J)                                      $300.00

Chicago Congress (Ads in Spectrum Magazine)  $300.00

Miscellaneous Expenses                                     $438.12

Bank Balance as at 5/26/05:                  $10,483.92