Translate imagination into practical achievement - Students told

Ho, Aug 10, GNA - Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Minister of State for Education, Youth and Sports, on Saturday called on students to translate their imaginations into practical achievement.

"Personal initiative is a self-starter that reveals favourable opportunities for self advancement, which must inspire you.... to make the most of them".

Alhaji Bawa was addressing the 53rd Honours Day of the Mawuli School in Ho, under the theme "Success Through Personal Initiative".

He urged students to have a strong desire and an unwavering determination to succeed with facilities at their disposal, adding that, "successful people around took their own initiatives".

"Remember that the way to success is the way to action, based upon organised thinking followed by action," he said.

Alhaji Bawa noted that the educational reforms are in the right direction, which would benefit the nation and appealed to stakeholders to play their roles honestly, sincerely and effectively to ensure success. He urged teachers and students to exhibit disciplined exemplary behaviour and hard work at all times, eschewing laziness, drunkenness and "laissez-faire" attitude to studies and duty. Alhaji Bawa advised school authorities to intensify their supervisory role to ensure the maximum use of scanty facilities and effective teaching and learning.

He pledged government support to up grade facilities and image of the School.

Mr Justice Sulley N. Gbadegbe, Board Chairman of the School, urged the community to get involved in the activities and running of the school. He commended the E. P. Church, Ghana and the Old Mawuli Students Union (OMSU) for their support.

Dr Kenneth Nyalemegbe, Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), called for more cooperation between the stakeholders to give meaning to the school's motto, "Head, Heart and Hand".

Mr Winfried Bonsi, Headmaster, said there were 1,841 students, 87 teaching and 92 non-teaching staff.

He said the School recorded 99.4 per cent in the 2002 SSSC examinations and commended OMSU for supporting the development of their Alma Mata. The Headmaster also praised the PTA for donating 50 computers and accessories, financing the repair of 50 Three-Decker steel beds and mobilising to re-roof and furnish the library.

He commended the Technical Department of the School for repairing the beds and typewriters, manufacturing dustbins and installing over-head tanks.

Mr Bonsi appealed the Ghana Education Service to expedite action on the completion of projects including the renovation of the Rev Trost House, the dining hall and kitchen, assembly hall, administration and library blocks, which had come to a standstill.

Master Frederick Kofitio, School Prefect commended the students for their co-operation during his tenure of office.

A total of 225 students, teachers, staff, old students and members of the community were honoured.

Master Julius Azasu received the most Outstanding Award for manufacturing the school's siren last year and upgrading it into a public address system with a remote control while Jasper Gosah on the Overall Best Student Award.