Regional News of Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Source: GNA

‘Every traditional area should have education fund’

Dr John Gatsi, a Senior Lecturer, University of Cape Coast Dr John Gatsi, a Senior Lecturer, University of Cape Coast

Dr John Gatsi, a Senior Lecturer, University of Cape Coast School of Business at the weekend advised all traditional areas in the country to establish education trust funds.

He said such funds could have “inter-generational effect” and transform the socio-economic status of these areas.

Dr Gatsi who gave the advice when he launched Togbe Lablulu Educational Trust Fund at Adaklu –Waya, said traditional areas with such funds are reaping the benefits with changing trends in education.

He said in most cases, the beneficiaries become “saviours” for the areas.

He said the establishment of the funds in all traditional areas could enhance academic performance in the country.

He commended Togbe Lablulu, Chief of Adaklu-Waya for the foresight and challenged opinion leaders in Adaklu to use the area’s tourism and agricultural potentials to transform the District.

Mr Sky Ganaku, Adaklu District Chief Executive urged the traditional area to adopt the Adaklu-Waya Educational Trust Fund.

He pledged the support of the Assembly to the fund and the readiness to help the managers to raise money at funeral grounds and churches.

Mr Kwame Agbodza, Member of Parliament for Adaklu said education remains the topmost priority for the District.

He expressed happiness that the Fund would help retain more brilliant but needy students in school.

Togbe Lablulu said the institutionalisation of the Fund was in response to how a good number of brilliant students in the area struggle for basic needs such as school fees and other academic necessities to remain in school with many of them dropping out.

“It is interesting if not sad to note that while other communities abound in countless professionals, we in Waya have just a handful…The point I want to put across is that I am yearning for a literate community with all the professionals,” he stated.

Togbe Lablulu said with education, he is confident the community could reduce poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.

He commended teachers in the area for their hard work and urged them to help address poor reading culture in the schools.

Illiteracy rate in Adaklu is said to be still high though formal education got to the area in 1856.