Dersiderious Awedam Wekem
Columbus,Ohio
Summary
Dedicated educator and Community Development Worker with over 22 years of combined experience in teaching and community initiatives. Expertise in project design, management, and implementation of policies aimed at social change. Proven track record in strategic leadership, fostering collaboration, and achieving organizational success through targeted initiatives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive council member/Director
SLYCARE Foundation
11.2022 - Current
- Guided SLYCARE Foundation's strategic direction to enhance support for vulnerable populations.
- Facilitated initiatives aimed at assisting orphaned children, widows, and the elderly.
- Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to build partnerships that strengthen organizational impact.
- Coordinated fundraising efforts to secure resources for ongoing programs and outreach services.
- Developed comprehensive programs addressing the unique needs of targeted community groups.
- Oversaw program implementation ensuring alignment with organizational mission and values.
- Engaged in community outreach to raise awareness of SLYCARE Foundation's mission and programs.
Executive council member/Director
SLYCARE Foundation
11.2022 - Current
- Guided SLYCARE Foundation's strategic direction to enhance support for vulnerable populations.
- Facilitated initiatives aimed at assisting orphaned children, widows, and the elderly.
- Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to build partnerships that strengthen organizational impact.
- Coordinated fundraising efforts to secure resources for ongoing programs and outreach services.
- Developed comprehensive programs addressing the unique needs of targeted community groups.
- Oversaw program implementation ensuring alignment with organizational mission and values.
- Engaged in community outreach to raise awareness of SLYCARE Foundation's mission and programs.
Executive council member/Director
SLYCARE Foundation
11.2022 - Current
- Guided SLYCARE Foundation's strategic direction to enhance support for vulnerable populations.
- Facilitated initiatives aimed at assisting orphaned children, widows, and the elderly.
- Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to build partnerships that strengthen organizational impact.
- Coordinated fundraising efforts to secure resources for ongoing programs and outreach services.
- Developed comprehensive programs addressing the unique needs of targeted community groups.
- Oversaw program implementation ensuring alignment with organizational mission and values.
- Engaged in community outreach to raise awareness of SLYCARE Foundation's mission and programs.
Lecturer & Assistant Director
Rural Development College – Kwaso, Ghana (Department of Community Development)
08.2013 - 07.2023
- led instructional and operational oversight for 800+ students annually, ensuring compliance with institutional standards, schedules, and quality expectations.
- Delivered structured training and instruction, applying clear standard work and performance monitoring to improve learning outcomes.
- Supervised and evaluated 95+ research and project teams, tracking milestones, quality, and on-time completion while coaching individuals for improvement.
- Supported budgeting, workforce planning, reporting, and implementation of government and institutional policies at the operational level.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to design, approve, and launch a new accredited BSc program, meeting national regulatory and compliance requirements.
- Prepared quarterly and annual performance and budget reports, identifying gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities for leadership review.
- Facilitated staff workshops focused on process improvement, mentoring, and consistent standards across departments.
Production and Quality Supervisor
Premium Foods Limited – Kwaso, Ghana
02.2021 - 03.2023
- Achieved production targets by supervising 20–40 workers on factory floor.
- Coordinated daily work assignments, ensuring optimal labor utilization across shifts.
- Maintained quality and safety standards through routine product and process checks.
- Reduced safety incidents through strict adherence to PPE and safety protocols.
- Monitored production metrics, reporting variances and escalating issues to management.
- Trained new hires on safety procedures and quality expectations for optimal performance.
Project Coordinator
Montrose/UKAID & Youth Alive partnered project
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Coordinated project activities to ensure alignment with strategic goals and timelines.
- Trained and supervised 28 enumerators and 6 supervisors, ensuring productivity and data quality.
- Tracked daily progress, resolved issues quickly, and reported to senior leadership
Administrative Assistant (Volunteer)
Nazareth Home for God’s Children (NHGC) & Marian Sisters of Eucharistic Love (MASEL)
05.2018 - 10.2020
. Provided administrative and operational support for community-based programs serving vulnerable children.
. Coordinated multiple projects related to education, vocational training, agriculture, and housing, supporting timely execution and documentation.
. Assisted with day-to-day operations, logistics, and coordination among staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
Project Coordinator for PCD Nutrition Project
Partnership for Child Development (PCD)
10.2014 - 09.2015
- Coordinated and acted as an intermediary between Partnership for Child Development (PCD), Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) and 28 communities on the project “Healthy Eating and Healthy Lifestyle in the Asante Akim South District of Ghana”. In addition, I managed the project plan for community engagement, trained, managed and supervised 28 volunteers in 28 communities within the district. Documented and recorded all processes/ activities and wrote reports for PCD/GSFP for review and monitoring.
Supervisor
Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana -USAID-Supported Project
05.2013 - 07.2013
- Achieved operational efficiency by supervising field operations across four districts.
- Ensured data accuracy by reviewing daily household data files for completeness.
- Tracked progress and quality through daily reports on coverage and data issues.
- Maintained compliance with data collection procedures and reporting requirements across locations.
Subject Teacher
Kobire D/A Junior High School, Pru – East District, Ghana.
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Taught Information and Communication Technology to over 150 students, as well as evaluated each student’s progress and adjusted strategies accordingly. I also undertook pastoral duties, such as taking on the role of form tutor, and supporting pupils on an individual basis through academic or personal difficulties.
Subject Teacher
Paga Junior High School B, Kassena- Nankana West District, Ghana
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Taught approximately 45 students Mathematics and Pure Science, as well as planned lessons, wrote, administered and graded midterm and final exams. Equally, I acted as advisor to various after school clubs, including coaching students in basketball and organizing students to participate in inter – school games.
National Service Personnel (NSP)
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Upper East Region, Ghana
09.2008 - 08.2009
- Monitored and Supervised projects carried out by the Ministry in all Districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Besides, I also trained farmers on post-harvest handling and losses and AEAs on new innovations and for same to be carried to farmers across the Region
Education
Mphil - Agricultural Extension
University of Ghana – Legon
Legon, Ghana07.2013
B.Sc. - Agriculture Technology, Agriculture Economics and Extension
University for Development Studies, Nyankpala
Nyankpala, Ghana06.2008
Skills
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint); SPSS, Amos Graphics, Stata, SAS
- Confident internet and social media user
Accomplishments
- Led and coordinated multi-district field research and development projects in Northern Ghana, supervising enumerators and field teams while ensuring high-quality data collection, reporting, and timely delivery to international partners including USAID and academic institutions.
- Successfully planned and implemented youth health and social intervention projects, strengthening community participation and improving access to reproductive and sexual health services.
- Trained and mentored field supervisors and enumerators in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data quality assurance, and report writing, contributing to improved monitoring and evaluation outcomes.
- Managed end-to-end operational tasks in high-volume environments, demonstrating strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and adherence to safety, quality, and productivity standards.
- Demonstrated proven leadership, coordination, and analytical skills across research, community development, and operations roles, consistently delivering results in fast-paced and accountability-driven settings.
Affiliations
- Coordinator – Research and Development Unit, Rural Development College- Kwaso, 2013 – present
- Coordinator – Examination Unit, Rural Development College- Kwaso, 2021 – present
- Member – Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) - 2020- Present
- Member - Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSSAG) 2013- present
- Member - Board of Directors, Nazareth Home for God’s Children 2018 – Present
- Outstanding Tutor – Rural Development College- Kwaso 2019
- Outstanding Tutor – Rural Development College- Kwaso 2015
- Member- Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) 2010 – 2013
- President - Agricultural Extension Students Association- University of Ghana Chapter 2011/2012
- President- Old Students Association of Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIG BOSS), UDS Chapter 2007 -2008
- Organizing Secretary- Ghana Association of Liberal Students. U.D.S, Nyankpala Campus 2007 - 2008
- Organizing Secretary – PAX Romana, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus 2007 - 2008
- Member- Ghana Association of Agricultural Students 2004 – 2008
- Member – International Youth Fellowship (IYF) 2004 – 2008
- Team Member – Basket Ball Team, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus 2004 - 2008
- Assistant captain – Basket Ball Team, Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIG BOSS) 2002 - 2003
- Vice President – “Debating Club” of Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIG BOSS) 2002 - 2003
- Vice President- Drama Club of Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIG BOSS) 2002 – 2003
- Member- Writers Club, Bolgatanga Senior High School (BIG BOSS) 2001 -2003
LANGUAGES
English (proficient), Kasem, Frafra, Nankane & Twi
Timeline
Executive council member/Director
SLYCARE Foundation
11.2022 - Current
Executive council member/Director
SLYCARE Foundation
11.2022 - Current
Executive council member/Director
SLYCARE Foundation
11.2022 - Current
Project Coordinator
Montrose/UKAID & Youth Alive partnered project
11.2021 - 06.2022
Production and Quality Supervisor
Premium Foods Limited – Kwaso, Ghana
02.2021 - 03.2023
Administrative Assistant (Volunteer)
Nazareth Home for God’s Children (NHGC) & Marian Sisters of Eucharistic Love (MASEL)
05.2018 - 10.2020
Project Coordinator for PCD Nutrition Project
Partnership for Child Development (PCD)
10.2014 - 09.2015
Lecturer & Assistant Director
Rural Development College – Kwaso, Ghana (Department of Community Development)
08.2013 - 07.2023
Supervisor
Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana -USAID-Supported Project
05.2013 - 07.2013
Subject Teacher
Kobire D/A Junior High School, Pru – East District, Ghana.
01.2010 - 01.2013
Subject Teacher
Paga Junior High School B, Kassena- Nankana West District, Ghana
01.2009 - 01.2010
National Service Personnel (NSP)
Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), Upper East Region, Ghana
09.2008 - 08.2009
B.Sc. - Agriculture Technology, Agriculture Economics and Extension
University for Development Studies, Nyankpala
Mphil - Agricultural Extension
University of Ghana – Legon
PUBLICATIONS
Natia J.A, Wekem D.A and Dassah, E.Z (2016). Entry and participation barriers in dry season irrigation farming: evidence from tono and vea irrigation schemes. American Journal of Innovative Research and Applied Sciences, 3(2): 462-469.
TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS
- April, 2021 Monitoring & Evaluation & Data Analysis for Community Based Projects by Zonzongili Development Associates (ZODA), Tamale, Ghana
- February, 2021 Participant: Trainer of Trainers’ (TOT) course on Gender Approaches to Agricultural Extension practice by WEID (MOFA, Upper East Region)
- October, 2020 Training on Agriculture extension planning and M&E by Department of Agricultural Extension- University of Ghana, Legon
- August, 2020 Training on Food Security in the Urban Centers by Zonzongili Development Associates (ZODA), Tamale, Ghana
- April, 2020 Training on Causes and Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) –Savana Agriculture Research Institute (SARI)
- January, 2020 Monitoring & Evaluation for Food Security & Nutrition Course by Department of Agriculture Extension- University of Ghana, Legon
- September, 2019 Training on Information resources and training tools in agricultural extension by Department of Agriculture Extension- University of Ghana, Legon
- July, 2019 Promoting Entrepreneurship & Agribusiness Development Course by Zonzongili Development Associates (ZODA), Tamale, Ghana
- May, 2019 Solar Irrigation Workshop by Ghana Irrigation Development Authority
- June, 2018 Trainer of Trainers’ (TOT) training course on Livelihood strategy and community building for sustainable agriculture by Zonzongili Development Associates (ZODA), Tamale, Ghana
- March, 2018 Training of lecturers on project proposal & report writing skills by Rural Development College (RuDECO) – Kwaso
- Sept, 2017 Co – Facilitator: Training of lecturers at the Bagabaga Teacher Training College on Proposal writing, quality assurance and mentorship
- August 2017 Training for Lecturers on Leadership and Management in Education by Rural Development College (RuDECO)- Kwaso
- Jan, 2017 Training for integration of women in agriculture and rural development by WEID (MOFA, Upper East Region)
- Dec, 2016 Training of Trainers (TOT) course for Ethical Leadership for Quality and Productivity Improvement programme by Civil Service Training Center, Ghana.
- June, 2016 Use of information and communication tools (ICT) in agricultural extension by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA- Upper East Region)
- April, 2016 Training on “Gender Equality: How to create a more gender equal workplace” by Civil Service Training Center, Ghana.
- May, 2015 Training workshop for lecturers on coaching and mentoring by Rural Development College (RuDECO) – Kwaso
- March, 2013 Workshop on solar-powered irrigation in Ghana by Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA- Upper East Region)
- May, 2009 Co-Facilitator: Trainer of Trainers’ (TOT) for Extension Women Volunteers in the Upper East Region-Organized by WEID (MOFA)
- 2009 Trainer of Trainers’ (TOT) training on Yield Estimation and Analysis MOFA/U.E.R
- 2007 Participant; Trainer of Trainers’ Course on Value Chain Development using Value Links Methodology organized by GTZ-MOAP
OTHER RESEARCHES UNDERTAKEN
- 2013 MPhil Research: Barriers to entry and farmers participation in dry season irrigation farming in the Upper East Region of Ghana
- 2008 BSC Research: Profitability analysis of groundnut production in the Bolgatanga Municipality
RESEARCH INTEREST
Agriculture, Education, policies, environment, development, and sustainability
AWARDS
Outstanding Tutor Award, Rural Development College – Kwaso (2019, 2015)