Mfantsiman Old Girls’ Association (Class of 2003) Holds Mentorship Programme for Students

The MfantsIman Old Girls' Association (MOGA), Class of 2003, has launched a two-year mentorship and empowerment programme for first-year students of Mfantsiman Girls' Senior High School, bringing together more than 1,700 students for a summit focused on leadership, character, identity, and life choices.

The mentorship and empowerment summit, held at the school's auditorium on Saturday, forms part of MOGA 2003's commitment to preparing young women to navigate academic life, peer influence, social media, and other challenges confronting teenagers.

The day-long programme featured accomplished members of the year group who shared personal experiences and practical lessons aimed at helping students make informed decisions about their education, careers, and personal lives. Delivering a presentation on the theme Choices, corporate lawyer Ms Abenaa Yalley urged the students to understand that success is shaped by deliberate decisions backed by discipline.

"Choices do not happen in a vacuum. They must be backed by discipline," she told the students, explaining that achieving their aspirations would depend on how they spend their time, the friends they choose, and the seriousness with which they approach their studies.

She cautioned the students against negative peer influence, encouraging them to surround themselves with friends who inspire growth rather than distract them from their purpose. Ms Yalley also advised against adopting a victim mentality, noting that teachers who enforce school rules are helping students build discipline rather than working against them.

Addressing relationships and sexual health, she encouraged abstinence, describing it as the safest option for teenagers. She warned that early sexual activity could result in emotional distress, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and disruption to academic goals.

Ms Yalley also highlighted the growing influence of social media, warning that excessive use can consume valuable study time, lower self-esteem, and create unrealistic expectations. "Social media shows highlights, not hard work," she said, urging students to set healthy digital boundaries and use technology as a tool for learning and personal development.

Speaking on identity and self-worth, bilingual communications professional Ms Mable Madjie challenged the students to define themselves by purpose, values, and character rather than popularity, appearance, or the opinions of others. She encouraged the girls to become women of courage, resilience, and integrity, stressing that lasting success is built through consistent discipline and determination. Using relatable examples of peer pressure, she urged students to remain confident in making decisions that align with their values.

Human Resource professional Ms Prisla Ackonor focused her presentation on character and integrity, describing character as doing the right thing even when no one is watching. She reflected on the importance of parental guidance and moral values, encouraging students to cultivate honesty, responsibility, empathy, accountability, gratitude, self-control, and contentment.

The Headmistress of Mfantsiman Girls' Senior High School, Mrs Roselyn Ayorkor Sowah, expressed appreciation to MOGA 2003 for investing their time, expertise, and resources in the development of the students. She urged the students to value their education, uphold the school's standards, and avoid behaviours that could jeopardize their future. Mrs Sowah also appealed to alumni, parents, and other stakeholders to continue supporting the school's mission of nurturing responsible and confident young women.

The mentorship programme is a flagship initiative of the MOGA 2003 Executive Committee under the 2025–2027 administration, led by Chairperson Dorothy Asante. Designed specifically for first-year students, the programme will continue over the next two years, providing sustained mentorship until the students graduate in 2028.

The initiative will culminate in 2028, coinciding with the graduation of the current first-year students, the 25th Anniversary celebrations of MOGA 2003, and the hosting of the 68th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of Mfantsiman Girls' Senior High School.