By Laudia Sawer
Tema, July 22, GNA – The Tema Manhean Presbyterian ‘A’ School has held its maiden graduation ceremony, urging parents to give their children a solid foundation by enrolling them in basic education.
The public school, which was established in 1947 with a current population of 750, graduated 75 class six pupils and 60 kindergarten two pupils who are transitioning to Junior High School and Basic School, respectively.
The occasion saw beautiful performances by pupils with colourful cultural displays, songs, poetry recitals and modeling.
Mrs. Ama Ahema Kwablah, the Head-Teacher of Tema Manhean Presbyterian ‘A’, welcoming guests and parents, said the initiative was to help the children to understand the difference between their current stage and the one they were transitioning to.
Mrs. Kwablah described the graduation as a historic moment, stressing that “this is the first ever graduation we are doing. This celebration is not just a graduation event; it’s a powerful reminder of our theme, ‘Early Steps to Success. Celebrating the Importance of Primary Education”.
She entreated parents to support and invest in the education of their children, indicating that even if they could not afford higher education, the basic one should be provided as a fundamental right to help the children learn how to read and write.
“The journey to greatness begins here, in the early years when curiosity is shaped, character is nurtured, and foundations of life are laid.”
Madam Christiana Ablakwa, the Deputy Director of Supervision and Monitoring, Tema Metro Education Directorate, commended the school for the initiative and for uplifting the status of the school.
Madam Ablakwa added that she pleaded with the parents to provide the children with food or pocket money when leaving home for school to prevent the trend of them crossing the roads and returning home during school hours with the excuse of getting food.
She also advised them to save some of the money they spend on funeral and naming ceremony clothes to cater for their children’s educational needs and welfare.
Mr. Simon Sawer Tetteh, the Managing Director of Sawer-Nanor and Sons Company Limited, chairing the function, used his childhood experiences to encourage the children to take their lessons seriously, putting their dream future as a motivation to push on, no matter the hurdles they might face in that journey.
Mr. Tetteh reminded them that graduation was just the beginning of their journey; therefore, they must be curious, stay disciplined, and believe that no matter their background, they could become anything they want with determination and education.
He reiterated the call on parents to support their children in whichever way they could, stressing that education was the best inheritance one could give their children; therefore, they should monitor their progress, attend school meetings, encourage them to read, and guide them in their choices.
Reverend Mrs. Happy Crenstil, the Executive Director of Mama Happy Life Enhancement Foundation (MAHLEF), and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairperson for the school, said the graduation ceremony would serve as an encouragement to the children in the community to take their studies seriously.
She urged the children to check their mates and peers before taking them as friends, as falling into bad friendships could ruin their future.
Madam Naana Eyeson, the Founder of Child 1st Initiative, pleaded with parents to ensure that their children eat, especially breakfast, to open the minds of the children and help them concentrate in class, as hunger clouds the minds of children and kills their interest in schooling.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah