Takoradi, Sept 16, GNA - The Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, on Tuesday paid tribute to heads of educational institutions for their sacrifice in the training of the youth under very difficult conditions. He said most schools lack certain basic infrastructure, including teaching materials but this has not discouraged teachers in the performance of their duties.

These were contained in a speech reach for him at the opening of the 41st annual conference of the National Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary School (CHASS).

The four-day conference is under the theme, "Discipline, 'a sine qua non' for quality education and national development."

Vice President Mahama said the government has evolved programmes and policies that would encourage teachers to give of their best and ensure quality education for all.

He said the well-being of the country depends on the sacrifices and dedication of teachers and they must do everything in their power to ensure that the country moves forward.

"You have the destiny of this country in your hands and you must do with what you have at your disposal to ensure its survival." The Vice President said the mounting problems of indiscipline in schools and the society at large continues to be a headache and that teachers, as role models, could encourage the youth to lead ethical lives for them to grow with it.

"Your task is a difficult one but you must live up to expectation since your influence on society is profound."

Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, called on the delegates to come out with recommendations that would help the government to deal effectively with the problem of falling standards in education.

Mr. James Osei Yeboah, regional chairman of CHASS, said discipline in schools has sometimes received such varied reaction from authorities to the extent that they sound "contradictory and ridiculous".

He said if heads of schools are not given the free hand to stamp out their authority on indiscipline waywardness would be the order of the day and society would continue to suffer.