Tamale, April 6, GNA- Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) and School Management Committees (SMCs) in the country have been urged to closely monitor resources distributed to educational institutions to ensure that every school gets its fair share of the allocation. They have also been asked to educate parents to take keen interest in the education of their children and to constantly monitor their academic performances.

Mr. Abdul-Karim Ziblim, Programme Manager of Wuni Zaligu Development Association, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), concerned with educational development, made the call at a day's workshop for PTAs and SMCs members in the Tamale Metropolis on Thursday. The workshop was organised by the NGO, sponsored by the German Development Service.

Mr. Ziblim asked PTAs to sensitise members of their communities on the need to send their children to school especially with the introduction of the Capitation Grant by the government. He further appealed to PTAs to assist parents to educate their children on the effects of indiscipline on their development, especially the dangers posed by teenage pregnancy. Mr. Ziblim said if children were not protected and left loose they would become a burden on their parents and the society. He said urged the people to actively participate in the management of schools, especially at the basic level, to facilitate teaching and learning.

He said plans were underway to network all the PTAs/SMCs in the Tamale Metropolis to enable members to share ideas and experiences and also have a common voice that could assist in promoting education. Topics for discussion included " The review of human resource development under Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy One (GPRS 1). Other topics treated were:" Improving the quality and efficiency in the delivery of educational services, establishment of PTAs and SMCs, tenure of office of PTA/SMC and SMC/PTA monitoring and supervision. Issues concerning education, skill, manpower and sports development for accelerated growth, increasing access to and participation in education and training were also dealt with.