UEW Counselling Psychology Students Lead Impactful Community Call Against Childhood Trauma
Final-year sandwich students from the Department of Counselling Psychology at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) have had a compelling practicum on Thursday, 15th May, 2025, at the Osubonpanyin Community Centre.
The event, themed “Stop the Silent Theft: No More Childhood Trauma,” was a vital component of the students' academic engagement and community outreach, merging classroom theory with real-world impact.
The durbar attracted traditional leaders, community members and university lecturers. It featured a compelling skit performed by the students to highlight the often-overlooked issue of childhood trauma. The practicum also served as a platform for knowledge exchange between academia and community stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Nana Ackon Egyafi VI, Odikro of Osubonpanyin, warmly welcomed the UEW delegation, emphasising the community’s appreciation for academic interventions. “We value this practicum because the students are from UEW’s Department of Counselling Psychology. I cherish the sharing of knowledge more than the sharing of money. This initiative is teaching us how to fish not just giving us fish,” he stated.
Nana Ackon Egyafi VI expressed a personal interest in pursuing counselling psychology and pledged to help expand the community's engagement with these impactful initiatives.
Dr. Samuel Ofori Danquah, a lecturer at the Department, highlighted the dual purpose of the practicum: to share student research with the community and to immerse students in real-life cultural and social contexts. “Counseling is not merely about providing advice; it is about healing emotional and social wounds,” he explained.
Dr. Danquah indicated that the practicum was designed to help students understand how community norms intersect with therapy and to establish a foundation for responsive, culturally informed counselling practices.
The keynote presentation was delivered by the Head of the Department of Counselling Psychology, Dr. (Mrs.) Nyuiemedi Agordzo Edoh-Torgah, who gave a compelling and sobering address on the pervasive issue of childhood trauma. “Childhood should be a time of wonder and safety but for millions, that reality is silently stolen by trauma,” she stated.
Dr. Nyuiemedi Edoh-Torgah explained that trauma often leaves no visible scars but undermines trust, self-worth, and developmental potential. She identified parents, teachers and communities as both contributors to and potential solutions for the crisis.
“Parents can break the cycle by choosing empathy over harsh discipline. Teachers must become trauma-informed educators and communities must challenge the normalisation of violence,” she urged. She underscored the need for trauma-informed policies, supportive environments for children and a cultural shift from punishment to nurturing.
Dr. Nyuiemedi Edoh-Torgah concluded with a passionate call to action: “We must acknowledge our roles as adults and commit to recognising the invisible wounds, hearing the silent cries and speaking out when others remain silent. Together, let us declare: No more childhood trauma. No more silent theft.”
The practicum, which coincided with International Mental Health Month is part of UEW’s broader commitment to mental health advocacy and community-centred education. Plans are underway to return for a larger forum, signaling the start of ongoing community collaboration for mental health awareness.
