GCAB's First Annual Scholarship Award and End-of-Year Dinner

The Ghanaian-Canadian Association of British Columbia (GCABC) will hold its First Annual Scholarship Awards and End-of-Year Dinner on Saturday, December 19, 2009 at the Compass Point Inn, 9850 King George Highway in Surrey at 6PM.

First Annual Scholarship Awards and End-of-Year Dinner, which will feature a splendid display of Ghanaian cultural artifacts, music, and dance, will also bring together local dignitaries, including the Honorary Consul-General for the Republic of Ghana in British Columbia, George Piprah, members of parliament and the BC legislative assembly Dave Hayer, Bill Siksay, Harry Bains, Stephanie Cadieux, and Alice Wong.

A total of five scholarships will be awarded, two of which will awarded to students in Ghana. In addition, several awards will be given to members of the Ghanaian community and students of Kwantlen Polytechnic University who contributed to the GCABC Youth Scholarship Fund.

The GCABC set up a youth scholarship fund a couple years ago “to assist our youths in the quest for higher education and to realize their career dreams.” Speaking at the inauguration of the fund in March 2008, Dr. Charles Quist-Adade, President of the GCABC declared: “We are convinced that the best form of investment one can make is one in education, particularly in youth education.” He added: “As the saying goes, God helps those who help themselves. Let's show that we as a community can help ourselves by helping our youth realize their cherished dreams.”

Formed in 1986 the GCABC set itself a mission is to serve as a support group for the social and economic development of Ghanaians and Ghanaian-Canadians and others who identify with Ghana who reside in British Columbia. Characterized as one of the most active community organizations in the Lower Mainland, the association has risen from a modest beginning to a vibrant and dynamic association.

With a membership of approximately 400, the GCABC has the following objectives: to promote and protect the interests of Ghanaian-Canadians in British Columbia, “to educate ourselves," the youth and the Canadian public about the history, heritage and current affairs of both Ghana and Canada, to provide a forum for activities and events that will promote cultural awareness as well as culture exchange between peoples of African descent, to undertake and /or sponsor programmes and activities that enable British Columbians to learn about Ghana and her rich culture and traditions, and to liaise and collaborate with organizations with similar interests.