The Ashesi Writing Centre (A.W.C), is a new initiative to improve writing and communication skills of Ashesi students. Directed by Prof. Molara Yetunde Ogundipe the Writing Centre is located in the TALIF Computer Laboratory and provides members of the Ashesi community with one-on-one assistance with their writing. Tutors include employees of the university as well as 3rd and 4th year students who have excelled in Ashesi’s writing-intensive courses. Assistance may take the form of anything from brainstorming to basic editing.
Alison Cohen, a tutor at the A.W.C. who graduated from Harvard University in the United States with a degree in Sociology, says she learned about Ashesi when a friend transferred to the school. After she learned about the Writing Centre she decided to apply for a job as a writing tutor and was hired. Alison has always been inspired by Ghanaian development as defined by Ghanaians themselves and relishes the opportunity to participate in a high impact project like Ashesi. “My skill set is an excellent match for what I do here at Ashesi and I find it a very welcoming place,” she adds.
Another Writing Centre tutor, Eli Tetteh, a graduate of Vanderbilt University in the United States with a major in English Creative Writing, says he loves what he does at the A.W.C. “I wish students would come in earlier and more often,” he says.
So far patronage of the Writing Centre has been high and students are enjoying the added support for their writing assignments. A sign-up system has been instituted so students can reserve time with tutors in advance. Afua Biney, Class of 2011 states, “The Writing Centre helps us think through the entire process of writing, from developing ideas to correcting grammar. You can come to the Writing Centre with nothing and come away with good start to your project.”