The Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) has entered into a partnership with a technology firm, Access Plus Communications Ghana Limited, to provide a platform for students to access affordable products and services.
Under the partnership, SLTF will leverage Access Plus' “Kampus Discount” platform to link students to products and services that are affordable, with up to 20 per cent discount for the students.
At a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between the two entities in Accra yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SLTF, Dr Saajida Shiraz, said the partnership was in line with her outfit’s goals to bring relief to students and help them to achieve their academic dreams.
“The SLTF, as part of our mandate to provide financial support to students in tertiary institutions, is always exploring partnerships to see other creative means we can provide to support students,” she said.
Dr Shiraz explained that the MOU would set the stage for SLTF and Access Plus to commence work on how to integrate their various platforms for easy access to students.
“SLTF’s biggest constituents are tertiary students, so we want to take this opportunity to communicate to them that this is a very viable initiative to make tertiary education experience better,” she added.
Platform
The CEO of Access Plus, Kelvin Boateng, said his outfit was committed to bridging technological gaps in various sectors for sustainable development.
He explained that the KampusDiscount was an ecosystem that brought together merchants, retailers, and service providers to offer affordable, discounted goods and services to students.
“While the Student Loan Trust Fund provides the vital educational funding, KampusDiscount aims at supporting and easing the burden on tertiary students.
Together, we will provide a comprehensive support system that would address the needs of students and reduce the cost of living,” he said.
He, therefore, called on retailers and service providers such as telecommunications companies, food vendors, transport services, publishers and others to join the platform and help support tertiary education for the overall development of the country.
The Board Chairperson of the SLTF, Cynthia Amerley Amartefio, described the partnership as a crucial step in enhancing education as student welfare.
“As part of our reset, the Students Loan Trust Fund is committed to exploring partnerships that enhance affordability and financial inclusion for Ghanaian students.
We aim to provide not only direct financial support, but also facilitate support from partners to tertiary students,” she said.
Writer’s email: emma.hawkson@graphic.com.gh
