Bia (W/R), Feb. 12, GNA - Papa Owusu Ankomah, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, at the weekend said the government would give assistance to deprived community schools to develop.

The minister said this when he visited the Bia Secondary Technical School in the Bia District, Brentu Secondary Technical School in the Aowin-Suaman District, Akontombra Senior Secondary School in the Sefwi Wiawso District and the Manso Amenfi Vocational Training Centre in the Wassa Amenfi West District.

Papa Owusu Ankomah, who was on a three-day duty tour of the Western Region, appealed to students and pupils in deprived schools to take advantage of opportunities offered them by the government.

He said students and pupils in such institutions should study hard to make the grade despite conditions at their schools.

"Academic excellence can be achieved in any school through hard work on the part of teachers, students and pupils," he said and added that his visit to the schools has enabled him to see the extent of their deprivation and he would make sure that they are given the necessary assistance.