In the aftermath of an extensive downpour that swept across the nation, numerous communities have been left grappling with widespread flooding. Among those affected are Lonto and Kpadjai within the Kpandai District.

Notably, tens of students from the University for Development Studies who were participating in the Third Trimester Field Practical Program (TTFPP) found themselves stranded in these afflicted communities.

Responding swiftly to this challenging situation, the university's management promptly organized a rescue mission. On October 20, 2023, a dedicated team embarked on the journey from Tamale to the affected areas. The rescue team was made up of the Director of Community Research and Outreach Programmes, Prof. Addah Wesseh, the Coordinator responsible for the two affected communities, Dr. Abdul-Basit Tampuli and Mr. Solomon Chikpa. The team was accompanied by a 40-seater bus to transport the students back to the safety.

Following a six-hour drive, the team finally reached Lonto, where 20 affected students had gathered for their evacuation. Their faces lit up with relief and gratitude as they spotted the approaching rescue team. Equipped with life jackets, the students were carefully escorted via boats to the opposite shore, where the bus was waiting to take them back to the Tamale Campus.

Importantly, all students were confirmed to be in good health, and no casualties were reported. The students expressed their sincere appreciation to the rescue team and the university's management, adding that their time in the community had been an enriching and memorable experience.

In a show of appreciation, the university team also visited the chiefs and elders of the affected communities. During this visit, they expressed their gratitude to the chiefs and people for accepting to accommodate the students whilst they were on the TTFPP. The community leaders lauded the students for serving as mentors to the local children and youth, describing the experiences nand knowledge shared as invaluable.

For their part, the chiefs extended an open invitation, affirming that their doors would always be open to accommodate students from the university students in the future.

This move to rescue stranded students re-echoes the unwavering commitment of the management of UDS to the well-being and safety of its students. It serves as a poignant reminder that the institution is prepared to go to great lengths to ensure the welfare of its student body, both on campus and within their respective communities.

Story by:
Ali Abdur Razaq Danbo (UDS MEDIA)