Koforidua, June 3, GNA - Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Eastern Regional Minister, on Wednesday commended the private sector, especially the 31st December Women's Movement, on their efforts to promote pre-school education.

He said government placed premium on pre-school education and would encourage non-government organizations and the private sector to assist to ensure that children are prepared adequately for formal education. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo was welcoming 13 teachers and students from WHEELOCK College, Boston, USA, at his residence in Koforidua. The group, led by Dr Joyce Hope Scott, Associate Professor American Studies, Director, Urban Teacher Program, is in the region to teach literacy at Early Child Hood centres.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said if they were to make any impact, then they must focus their activities in the rural communities. "It is those areas that you can effect the necessary changes in the lives of the people".

On falling standard of education, the regional minister spoke about his determination to ensure that no basic school in the area scores zero percent in the Basic Education Certificate Education (BECE). He said the focus would be on the posting of more trained teachers to deprived schools as well as the provision of infrastructure to help promote teaching and learning.