Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, has supported more than 500 newly admitted Senior High School (SHS) students in the constituency with school supplies and provisions to ease the financial burden on their parents.

The gesture, which forms part of an annual initiative by the MP to support students newly admitted to SHS, included Ghana Education Service-approved modern school boxes as well as essential food and household items.

Among the provisions presented to the beneficiaries were sugar, milk, Milo, canned fish, soap, detergent, gari and cereals.

Speaking at a presentation ceremony, Mr Okyere Baafi described the intervention as his “widow’s mite” contribution towards supporting families at a time when the cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for parents to meet the needs of their children entering SHS.

“Today, the times are hard, and I understand the hardships that your parents are going through to find money to acquire provisions for you. This gesture is meant to reduce the burden on your parents,” he said.

He urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity and remain committed to their education, stressing that the ultimate objective of the intervention was to help them succeed academically.

“I urge you to go to school and take your academic work seriously. Don’t come back half-baked because a little learning is dangerous. Go and drink deep, or taste not,” he added.

The MP further encouraged the students to remain disciplined and focused throughout their secondary education, reminding them that their future would largely depend on how seriously they approached their studies.

The annual support programme is intended to assist parents in the New Juaben South constituency whose children have secured admission to SHS.

A similar gesture was extended to newly admitted SHS students last year, with Mr Okyere Baafi reiterating his commitment to sustaining the initiative as part of efforts to provide relief to families and support the educational aspirations of young people in the constituency.