Yilo krobo: Nyewer-Asafoaste Ngua Obuyoe Batsa III, Chief of Abokobi in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, has donated 5,000 exercise books to pupils in local schools to address shortages of basic learning materials.
According to Ghana News Agency, the donation aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents and support effective teaching and learning. Pupils in Abokobi, Akorwu Bannah Presbyterian Primary and Junior High School, and Boti R/C Primary and Junior High School are set to benefit from this initiative. Nyewer-Asafoaste Batsa III, a professional teacher, mentioned that 3,200 exercise books have already been distributed, with the remaining 1,800 set to be distributed at Nkurakan-Yoyim during another event.
He explained that the initiative seeks to ensure financial challenges do not hinder children's access to essential learning materials. Emphasizing education's importance, he noted, 'Education is something that must always be prioritised because in this current dispensation, you will find yourself wanting if you are not educated.' His teaching experience has highlighted the difficulties some pupils and parents face in acquiring exercise books and other materials.
The Chief also pointed out that some pupils are forced to share exercise books between subjects, while others attend school without notebooks due to financial constraints. He noted that some parents respond with frustration when asked to provide these materials, not out of disrespect but because of economic limitations.
Having personally purchased exercise books for pupils in his school in Somanya, Nyewer-Asafoaste Batsa III observed that the situation could be more severe in rural areas where families face greater economic challenges. Subordinate chiefs have therefore pledged to support education to promote children's welfare and the area's development.
The Chief expressed hope that the donation would ease financial pressure on parents, encourage school attendance, and enable active participation in classroom activities. He also disclosed plans to establish an educational fund to support students in pursuing higher education levels, aiming to provide young people with opportunities to advance academically and contribute to sustainable development.
Mr. Simon Abaitey, a parent, praised the Chief for the initiative, noting that some families struggle to meet daily needs and are unable to purchase school materials. He believes the donation will relieve financial stress and motivate pupils to prioritize their education.
Ms. Sarah Tetteh, a Junior High School pupil at Akorwu Bannah, also expressed gratitude, noting that her parents could not provide exercise books for the new term due to financial challenges. She thanked the Chief for his support and urged continued assistance for education in the area.
The donation is part of the Abokobi traditional leadership's efforts to support education and enhance access to learning materials for children in the region.