By Dennis Peprah
Jinijini, (Bono), Aug. 26, GNA- Mr Dickon Kyere-Duah, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Berekum West Constituency in the Bono Region has launched the ‘Berekum West Education Fund,’ an initiative to support brilliant but needy students in the area.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Jinijini, the constituency capital, Mr Kyere-Duah said the fund would also be utilized to construct physical education infrastructure and thereby enhance school enrolment.
It was attended by traditional authorities, stakeholders, opinion leaders, development partners, and some natives of Berekum West, both at home and abroad. “The fund was established purposely to provide scholarships to deserving students, support schools with critical teaching and learning resources, and strengthen educational institutions in delivering quality education across the constituency”, Mr Kyere-Duah explained.
He stressed that education remained the greatest equalizer, and a vital tool for unlocking opportunities for the youth in the constituency, saying the fund would ensure that no child was denied access to higher education due to financial constraints.
The fund will further provide support for schools in Berekum West that lacked critical learning resources and facilities as well as build a constituency where education becomes the driving force for socio-economic transformation.
Mr Kyere-Duah said clear guidelines would be established to ensure that the funds were used for the intended purpose. He said special fundraising rallies would be organised periodically to receive contributions from individuals and corporate organisations, benevolent societies, alumni associations, and the citizens of Berekum West residents abroad.
Mr Kyere-Duah gave the assurance that administration of the fund would ensure transparency, accountability, and credibility, saying a committee would be set up to manage the fund.
They will comprise representatives from the education, traditional authorities, religious groups, Civil society and other professional bodies.
“The MP will play a facilitative role but will provide strategic direction for the administration of the Fund and annual reports and accounts will be published for the public too”, Mr Kyere-Duah stated and called on the people to contribute to the fund to achieve the intended purpose.
The ceremony saw overwhelming support from guests who made generous donations in cash and pledges to ensure the fund’s sustainability.
Some of the contributors included individuals, corporate bodies, professional associations, and well-wishers, all united by the vision of investing in the future of the constituency through education.
GNA
Edited by Denis Peprah/Kenneth Odeng Adade