UEW Pro-VC Lauds Effutu Talent Show Event Manager for Empowering Young Artists
In a heartfelt tribute to creativity and young talent, Prof. Victor Antwi, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has praised the Effutu Talent Show, led by event manager and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Theatre Arts student, Kwame Takyi Danquah.
The initiative, which auditioned over 500 children, culminated in 100 promising young participants who received a comprehensive 14-week training in various arts disciplines, spotlighting skills such as music, dance, drama, fashion design, and modelling.
During a courtesy call to Prof. Antwi on Monday, 3rd February, 2025, organisers and various category winners of the talent show, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor praised the organising team for their dedication and hard work in putting together the show. "It is a laudable effort to nurture the creative talents of young people in the Effutu Municipality. I must say that I am impressed with the level of talent displayed by the participants," he said.
Prof. Antwi encouraged the participants to continue developing their skills, saying that the experience gained from the talent show would be beneficial to them in the future. "Do not let the skills you have acquired go to waste. Continue to develop your talents, and do not be afraid to showcase them. You have been given a platform, and it is up to you to make the most of it," he advised.
Mr. Danquah revealed that the Effutu Talent Show places a strong emphasis on mentorship and structured training, unlike conventional talent shows where participants practice independently. “We groom their talents and even help them identify their creative abilities. It is not just a display of skills, but a developmental journey,” he explained.
The event manager appealed to the management of UEW to subsidise the cost of using the university's facilities for future events. "We are appealing to the university to subsidise the cost of using the university's facilities for future events. We believe that this will help us to continue providing a platform for young talents to showcase their skills," Mr. Danquah said.
The Effutu Talent Show was conceived with a vision to provide a holistic educational experience for children that transcends the traditional focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Organisers aimed to foster creativity and self-expression among the youth, giving them a platform to showcase their artistic abilities.
Throughout the programme, the selected participants engaged in intensive training sessions led by seasoned professionals from various artistic fields. Workshops included vocal training, choreography, acting techniques, and modelling etiquette, as well as sessions on fashion design that allowed participants to create their own outfits for the final showcase.
At the culmination of the programme, the participants dazzled an audience of families, peers, and community members with a sensational performance that celebrated their hard work and dedication. The event concluded with an awards ceremony, recognising outstanding talents and contributions among the young performers.
Local leaders have expressed support for this initiative, recognising its potential to uplift the community and create a culture of creativity and innovation. The Effutu Talent Show serves as a benchmark for future programmes aimed at nurturing talents among the youth, reinforcing that education is not solely limited to academic subjects but also includes the arts.
As discussions about the third edition of the Effutu Talent Show continue, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of investing in creative education as part of a broader educational strategy. “We must cultivate an environment that encourages children to explore their interests and develop their skills in all areas, including the arts,” he stated.
The success of the Effutu Talent Show symbolises the dawn of a new era for youth empowerment in the municipality, inspiring future generations to unleash their creativity and pursue their passions with optimism and vigour.