Pupils of Yaw Bronya Presbyterian Primary near Ofoase in the Asante Akim South District were full of joy on Tuesday when Akwaaba Education Initiative, a Canadian Non-Governmental Organization, donated school bags and other learning materials including exercise books, pens, pencils and erasers to each pupil.

Uncharacteristic of the first day of the term which most often record low attendance, the situation was different on Tuesday as virtually every pupil was in school to receive his or her package.

Also present to witness the occasion were parents who could not help but praise the NGO for taking a huge responsibility off their shoulders as the new academic year commences.

Miss Ellen Macdonald, President of the NGO, said her organisation adopted the school last year as part of its quest to contribute to quality education in Africa.

She said education was a right that no child must be denied under any circumstance, hence her commitment to support schools in deprived communities.

She said children in rural communities deserved equal opportunities like their counterparts in urban areas and reminded community members of their collective responsibility to improve education in their locality.

Mr. Frank Yaw Musah, the District Director of Education, said the NGO had shown parents the way and expressed the hope that they would emulate the gesture in the interest of their children.

He said the NGO had demonstrated how important education was and appealed to parents not to shirk their responsibilities as key stakeholders.

Mr. De-graft Fokuo, District Chief Executive (DCE), commended the NGO for the donation, which he said should serve as a clarion call for parents to prioritize the education of the children.