Brekuso (E/R), Oct 16, GNA - Friendship Force International of Los Angeles, a voluntary Organisation on Monday presented reading books and assorted stationery worth over 100,000 dollars to support two schools at Brekuso in the Akuapim South District.

The support to the schools, Brekuso L/A Primary and Brekuso Presby Basic School was to help improve educational standards in the area to reverse the trend whereby 52 schools in both Akuapim North and Akuapim South recorded zero percent in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) within a period of five years. Mr. Gene Haberman, Exchange Director, Friendship Force said the Organisation founded 30 year ago, by former American President, Jimmy Carter believes in building friendship as a way of maintaining global peace.

He said they were therefore, in the country to extend their friendship to Ghanaians because they knew that President Kufuor was a man of peace and the entire citizenry were very peaceful as well. "We have also come to feel the hospitality spirit of Ghanaians as it is always said. Our visit has given us the ample truth that truly Ghanaians are very friendly and hospitable", he added. Mr Haberman said the donation therefore, marked the beginning of a long-standing friendship between Ghana and Friendship Force. Nana Oteng Korankye, Chief of Brekuso and Twafohene of Akuapim Traditional Area commended the organisation for the support and advised the pupils to make good use of the books in order to improve their standards.

He also advised the parents to invest more in their children's education and desist from taking the children to the farm during school hours.