APSU ’88 gives back to St. Augustine’s College; donates beds, educates teachers on cancer awareness

The 1988 Year Group of St. Augustine’s College, popularly known as APSU ’88, has returned to its alma mater in Cape Coast for a memorable homecoming to honour the past, strengthen lifelong bonds, and give back to the institution that shaped its members.

Held under the theme “Once Classmates, Always Family,” the homecoming brought together the group's old boys for a series of activities that combined reflection, fellowship, health education, and practical support for the College.

The visit underscored the enduring connection between the Year Group and St. Augustine’s College, as members revisited familiar grounds, shared memories of their school days, and interacted warmly with current students and staff.

A major highlight of the homecoming was a health-awareness session organised for teachers of the College. The Year Group presented an educational session on prostate cancer, delivered by Dr John Allotey, a Clinical Pharmacist, an old boy and member of APSU ’88.

Dr Allotey took teachers through the fundamentals of prostate cancer, including its causes, risk factors, common symptoms, and the importance of early detection. He also explained the processes of testing and diagnosis, urging men, particularly those above the age of 40, to take regular screening seriously.

His presentation further highlighted evidence from Ghana, drawing attention to the growing public-health importance of prostate cancer awareness and the need for timely medical attention. He encouraged teachers to prioritise their health and to share the knowledge gained with family members, colleagues, and their wider communities.

The session also featured a presentation on breast cancer awareness, delivered by Florence Hagan, an Oncology Nurse Specialist from the Oncology Department of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital.

Ms Hagan educated the teachers on breast cancer prevention, early warning signs, self-examination, screening, and the importance of seeking prompt medical care. She emphasised that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and encouraged women and even men to make regular screening part of their routine healthcare.

The two presentations were widely appreciated by the teachers, who described them as timely, practical, and relevant to both personal wellbeing and the health education they can pass on to students and families.

As part of its commitment to supporting the College, APSU ’88 presented bunk beds to St. Augustine’s College. The donation was made on behalf of the Year Group by Dr Bill Yeboah Kyeremeh, an IT specialist and member of the group, to enhance the school’s welfare facilities and provide practical support for student care and accommodation needs.

The gesture reflects the Year Group’s desire to contribute meaningfully to the comfort and wellbeing of current students.

Receiving the beds on behalf of the school, the Assistant Headmistress, Administration, Edith Swanzy-Donkor, expressed profound appreciation to APSU ’88 for the thoughtful donation. She thanked the Year Group for remembering their alma mater and for choosing to support the school in ways that directly benefit students.

Madam Swanzy-Donkor noted that the contribution was not only a material gift but also a powerful demonstration of the lasting values of service, unity, and responsibility instilled in old students of the College.

Beyond the formal presentations and donation, members of APSU ’88 shared a memorable lunchtime with the students. The old boys dined with the current students and used the opportunity to interact with them, offer words of encouragement, and share experiences from their time at the College.

The interaction created a warm atmosphere of mentorship and camaraderie, allowing students to connect with alumni who once walked the same corridors and sat in the same classrooms. Members of the Year Group encouraged the students to take their studies seriously, uphold the school's values, and aspire to become responsible leaders in their communities.

The following Sunday, the Year Group joined the students again to crown the homecoming celebration. The final gathering provided a fitting conclusion to the visit, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness that defined the entire programme.

The homecoming ended with a clear commitment from APSU ’88 to sustain its relationship with the College. The Year Group announced that its next homecoming had been scheduled for October 2028, signaling its intention to continue supporting St. Augustine’s College and maintaining the strong bond among its members.

For APSU ’88, the visit was more than a reunion. It was a reaffirmation that, decades after leaving school, the ties formed at St. Augustine’s College remain strong, built on shared memories, mutual support, and a collective responsibility to give back.

With its blend of health education, welfare support, student engagement, and fellowship, the APSU ’88 homecoming stands as an inspiring example of how alumni year groups can remain valuable partners in the growth and development of their alma mater.