By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, Dec. 22, GNA – Madam Aurelia Tudzi, Girls’ Education Officer at the Keta Municipal Education Directorate, has emphasised the transformative power of educating girls, saying it had the potential to change families, communities and nations.
Speaking in separate addresses at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held at Keta E.P. Basic School and Vodza R.C. Basic School in the Keta Municipality, Madam Tudzi cited the biblical story of Mary, who carried Jesus Christ, as evidence that girls were capable and had a divine purpose.
“In the Christmas story, we see God choosing Mary, a young girl, to carry the greatest gift the world has ever known. This reminds us that girls matter, girls are capable and girls have divine purpose,” she said.
She described Mary as young yet courageous, humble yet confident, noting that her story demonstrated that when girls were supported, encouraged and educated, they could positively transform families, communities and nations.
Madam Tudzi urged girls to pursue their dreams, describing education as a guiding light for their future, and commended parents and guardians for supporting their daughters’ education.
She stressed that investing in girls’ education yielded benefits not only for individuals but for entire nations.
“To our dear girls, let this season remind you that you are precious. Do not let anyone tell you that your dreams are too big or that education is not for you. Just as Christ came as light into the world, your education is a light that will guide your future,” she said.
She encouraged boys to take good care of themselves, saying God could also speak and guide them, citing how an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and advised him not to leave Mary.
“To our teachers, your role is sacred. Like the shepherds who guided others to the manger, you guide young minds towards knowledge, discipline and purpose. Your dedication shapes destinies,” Madam Tudzi added.
The festival, which brought together learners, staff, clergy and education stakeholders, formed part of activities by the mission schools to mark the Christmas season.
The event featured scripture readings, choral renditions of traditional Christmas carols and musical performances by learners, reflecting on the spiritual significance of Christmas as the first term of the academic year drew to a close.
Rev. Fr. Eric Donaldson Kwashie, Parish Priest of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Vodza, described Christmas as “a season of great joy, a joy that knows no limit.”
He urged the gathering to share the joy of the season to make it complete, cautioning against what he termed “Herod’s disease.”
He recounted how King Herod and those around him were troubled by news of the birth of Jesus and how Herod hypocritically asked the wise men to search for the child and report back so he could also pay homage.
“You cannot enjoy the joy of Christmas fully with hypocrisy. Let us guard against hypocrisy during this season,” he cautioned.
Mama Yaa Adzagba II of Weta advised learners that vacation did not mean abandoning their books and encouraged them to continue studying during the break.
She urged them to be obedient, avoid risky beach outings, and always seek permission before stepping out.
Addressing parents, she advised them to prioritise the safety of their children during the festive season, noting that accidents were common during the period and stressing the need to keep children safe to enable them to continue their education.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Audrey Dekalu