Ten girls' schools identified for rehabilitation and expansion

Accra March 13, GNA - Mrs Theresa Kufuor, First Lady on Saturday said government had identified 10 girls' schools for rehabilitation and expansion for increased access to Secondary Education for girls. She said all efforts must be geared towards encouraging the girl-child to embrace education to the highest level since the benefits were numerous for the nation.

Mrs Kufuor said this at the 54th Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the Aburi Girls' Secondary School under the theme: "Educating the Girl-child, A Key to National Poverty Eradication."

In a speech read on her behalf by Dr Francis Osafo-Mensah, Eastern Regional Minister, she said, the education of the girl-child was crucial because she would mature to bear and nurture citizens from the cradle into adulthood.

"As such the New Patriotic Party government accords education the priority it deserves. All levels of education, from pre-school to tertiary are being given the necessary support to ensure that quality education is available and accessible to all", she said.

Mrs Kufuor advised the students to abstain from sex and to bear in mind that the HIV/AIDS pandemic was real.

"As young girls, the only way of preventing the disease is by avoiding sex, in fact abstinence," she added.

On the issue of indiscipline in the society, Mrs Kufuor urged the students to acquire the virtues of humility; tolerance, love and the peace of mind to enable them live decent and productive lives among their fellow citizens.

Mrs Kufuor assured the school that the request for poly-tank water reservoirs for the school was receiving prompt action.

Mrs Silvia Asempa, Headmistress, in an address said the school's most pressing need was a second water reservoir to help them harvest water from the borehole on the school's compound to various points. She also mentioned the lack of accommodation for both teachers and students and said if the school was able to receive help in that direction it could increase the intake of into the school in September this year.

Prizes were presented to students who topped their classes in various subjects.

The occasion was also used to commission a new kitchen for the school.