Pregnancy hampering efforts to enhance girl-child edu

Takoradi, April 01, GNA - An educationist has observed that increase in enrolment of girls in schools has been affected by retaining them. Madam Benedicta Seidu of the Girl-child Unit at the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Education Office, said efforts to improve enrolment of girls in school was being hampered by the increase in teenage pregnancy. She made the observation when addressing a forum to mark this year's celebration of Girl-child week at Takoradi on Friday. Madam Seidu therefore, appealed to the Government and stakeholders to evolve more measures and enforce existing laws to check teenage pregnancy that had become a serious societal problem. The theme for the celebration was "Educating the girl-child for national development." She disclosed that among the pregnant girls was a 12-year-old class two pupil in a school within the Metropolis.

"I appeal to boys and men to leave these innocent girls alone to pursue their academic work. These girls raped or defiled by boys and men today could have been great women tomorrow." Madam Seidu advised young girls to guard themselves against boys and men who tried to take advantage of them to satisfy their lust, and take their education serious. She called on girls to be content with whatever provided by their parents and refrain from asking for gifts from men and in addition, avoid wearing dresses that exposed their bodies and watching pornographic films. Madam Seidu advised girls to use their leisure profitably at the library and attend religious youth meetings. She called on parents to spend time with their girl-child and provide them with their needs. 01 April 06