The Youth Education and Awareness Society (YEAS), an Islamic NGO committed to youth educational development, has awarded scholarships to 65 underprivileged tertiary students in Accra.

The gesture aims to alleviate the financial burdens on brilliant but needy students residing in Abeka-Lapaz and surrounding communities, helping them cover tuition fees and other essential academic needs.

At the 7th Annual Scholarship Presentation ceremony held in Abeka-Lapaz, the recipients, comprising university students and teaching and nursing trainees, were given financial support ranging from GH₵1,200 to GH₵4,500, along with materials. The beneficiaries consist of Muslims and non-Muslims.

Sheikh Issah Ibrahim Adam, the Director of YEAS, in his address, highlighted the NGO’s mission to fuel academic excellence among students from deprived communities.

“We are committed to investing in young people’s education because we believe it is the cornerstone of quality livelihood and sustainable development,” Sheikh Adam stated.

He urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilize the scholarship to excel in their education and assured them of the continuous support of YEAS, which is headquartered in Agona Swedru in the Central Region.

Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, Operations Manager of YEAS, for his part, noted that since the launch of the YEAS Educational Support Programme in 2018, which started by aiding just 8 students, the initiative has grown rapidly, offering support to 15 students in 2019, followed by 22 in 2020, 28 in 2021, 44 in 2022, and 60 in 2023.

According to him, this year’s landmark support to 65 students is a testament to the NGO’s growing impact, and he expressed appreciation to all their partners for the collaboration that has enabled YEAS to expand its scholarship programme.

Alhaji Sulley Issah, Zongo Chief of Okaikwe, who graced the event, advised the youth against indiscipline and to avoid negative peer pressure to engage in social vices.

He also urged the beneficiaries to show appreciation for the scholarship by excelling in their studies.

“You must ensure that this financial assistance offered you does not go down the drain. Do well to excel in your education and training to become productive citizens and beneficial to society,”

Madam Geraldine Ashitey, Tesano Branch Manager of Ecobank Ghana, lauded YEAS for its pivotal role in supporting education and expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly ease the academic journey of the beneficiaries.

In a show of continued solidarity, she assured YEAS of the bank’s commitment to providing financial literacy training for young people, empowering them to make informed financial decisions.