Ekumfi Eyisam (C/R), Aug. 4, GNA - The Mankessim Programme area of Plan Ghana has, in the past five years, awarded 166 students, made up of 87 boys and 79 girl, scholarships to pursue senior secondary education. Plan Ghana, a child centered non-governmental organization, is also sponsoring its adopted schools to organize speech and prize-giving days as means of encouraging competitions and also bringing school activities closer to the communities.

Mr. Jacob Turkson, the Area manager, said at one of such functions organized by Al-Taqwah Islamic Primary and JSS at Ekumfi Eyisam on Thursday that Plan Ghana was collaborating with the Mfantseman District Directorate of Education to introduce a quarterly stakeholders' meetings to discuss problems which impeded teaching and learning processes in the schools and how to address them.

Mr. Turkson said Plan Ghana had adopted 44 schools in Mfantseman and Abura Asebu Kwamankese Districts and assured that it would do everything possible to raise standards in the school. "Plan Ghana will not put up only school buildings and leave the children to their fate: we will ensure that the necessary things they need to enhance their education are also provided," he reassured. The Area Manager deplored the attitude of some parents towards education of their children, noting that men's attendances at Parent -Teacher Association meetings and other school activities were not encouraging.

Miss Vivian Etroo, District Director of Education, called on Muslims to take advantage of the capitation grant to send their children to schools.

She cautioned against giving out the girls for early marriage. "The best legacy a parent can bequeath to the girl-child is education and not marriage, which can end on the rocks." Mr Robert Amoah, Assemblyman, appealed to Plan Ghana to help the community to rehabilitate its JSS building which has got part of its roofing damaged by rainstorm. Ms Mumuni Zulehetu, the Headmistress, appealed to the chiefs to offer land for the construction of a playing field and a new block for the JSS.

Prizes were distributed to deserving pupils.