A special programme to strengthen the efforts of Non-Governmental Organisations in promoting female education in Sub-Sahara Africa has been launched in Accra. Known as "Alliance for Community Acting on Female Education", the programme will assist NGOs whose activities relate directly to basic education by providing them with grants, technical and managerial support. Launching it, the Chief of the Education Sector of the UN Children's Fund, Madam Fay Chung, stressed that since development depends on education, it is important to make it available to every child. Madam Fay chung, who is also the Chairperson of the Alliance Secretariat, said it will look at the system of education and what prevents children, especially girls from staying away. According to her, it is important for those in high professions to interact with the grasroots, that is why NGOs are being involved in the Alliance. The Head of the UNICEF Education Unit in Ghana, Mr.. Joe Vere, said sicne only few girls succeed in a non-supportive environment, the Alliance will offer NGOs engaged in eduction, a good opportunity to make an impact on girls education. The Eastern Regional Minister, Miss Patience Addow, who is also an Executive Committee member of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) streesed the government's committment to give serious attention to female education.

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