Students of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) have taken a community outreach initiative, Project Dignity, to residents of the Weija Leprosarium, donating essential items and engaging with members of the community.The student-led initiative, undertaken under the ORAVOX Initiative, culminated in a donation presentation at the facility on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.The project was designed to give students an opportunity to apply principles of development communication, resource mobilisation, advocacy and community engagement while responding to identified needs within the community.Following an engagement with the management of the facility, the students identified a number of essential items needed by residents and mobilised support from individuals, organisations, lecturers, families, friends, and other well-wishers.The exercise resulted in the collection of food items, bottled water, toiletries, sanitary materials, tissue products, and other essential supplies.Speaking during the presentation, Group Leader Fafa Peace Bankas said the initiative had evolved beyond an academic exercise.“We came here to give, but we also came to learn. Our visit has shown us that beyond the circumstances of the residents are people with stories, talents and dreams that deserve to be seen and heard.”The students were welcomed by representatives of the facility, after which one of the residents shared a brief history of the Weija Leprosarium.The interaction provided the students with an opportunity to learn about the institution and its history from the perspective of someone who lives within the community.A UniMAC lecturer, Dr Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng, also addressed the gathering, encouraging the students to take classroom knowledge into real-world settings.The students further received words of encouragement and advice from Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, who has spent considerable time supporting people affected by leprosy and other vulnerable groups.The visit also exposed the students to the talents and creativity of residents, challenging perceptions of the community that often focus solely on the difficulties associated with leprosy.One of the residents, a musician, performed one of his songs for the visiting team and appealed for public support for his musical work.The students also visited an art gallery at the facility, where they viewed creative works produced by one of the residents.Among the artworks was a self-drawn portrait of the Member of Parliament for the Weija-Gbawe Constituency.For the students, the experience offered a broader understanding of the community and highlighted the need to recognise the abilities, creativity, experiences, and aspirations of its residents.The team said the experience reinforced its belief that development communication goes beyond creating awareness to include listening, connecting, giving people a voice, and responding to real community needs.Project Dignity also seeks to promote dignity, compassion, social inclusion and community support while providing students with practical experience in resource mobilisation and community engagement.The students expressed appreciation to Dr Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng, Rev. Father Andrew Campbell, UniMAC FOCALS, fellow students, donors, families, organisations, supporters, and the management and residents of the Weija Leprosarium for supporting the initiative.The students are currently producing a documentary on Project Dignity, which will explore the history of the Weija Leprosarium and tell some of the stories of the people and talents encountered during the visit.The documentary, according to the team, will seek to highlight aspects of the community that are often overlooked and encourage the public to see its residents not only through the challenges they have experienced, but also through their humanity, abilities, and dignity.