Sandema (U/E), Jan 30, GNA - The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has presented learning materials and 10 million cedis to 50 brilliant but needy girls at Sandema in the Builsa District of the Upper East Region to continue their education.

The beneficiaries who were selected from some junior secondary schools in the district received books, mathematical set, pens, school uniform, footwear, a school bag and 60,000 cedis each.

Mr William Atteng, Assistant Director of Finance and Administration at the Builsa District Education Office, said they should have received 200,000 cedis each but that their parents advised that the GES should rather purchase the learning material for them.

He said that the District took the 55th position in the last Basic Education Certificate Examination nation wide and stressed the need for stronger partnership between the education authorities and communities to promote teaching and learning.

The Assistant Director said with support from UNICEF's CHILDSCOPE programme, school supervision was being stepped up while the capacity of teachers was being enhanced through in-service training.

The Builsa District Chief Executive (DCE), the Reverend James Agalick, recalled an earlier donation of bicycles and computers and training programmes by UNICEF and commended the organisation for its assistance to brilliant but needy students in the area.

The DCE also praised teachers in the district for their dedication and urged them to continue to inspire students to realise their talents.