By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, Sept 22, GNA – The Cape Coast Youth Development Association (CCYDA) has distributed essential school items to 120 BECE graduates in Cape Coast to support their Senior High School (SHS) education.
The packages included chop boxes, mattresses, exercise books, schoolbags and other educational items.
The first 20 recipients received GH¢500 shopping vouchers from the Sonturk Supermarket in addition to their items, while the top three also received cash prizes.
Master Light Kweku Arkaiffi from Brofoyedur, the overall winner, received a laptop, GH¢1,000 cash, a certificate and a medal.
Assistant Division Officer (ADO) 1 Josiah Spio-Garbrah, the General Secretary of CCYDA, explained that the initiative formed part of the Association’s mandate to empower young people through educational initiatives.
He said the gesture was intended to reduce the pressure many students faced when they entered SHS, particularly regarding basic provisions.
Beyond the material support, he said participants had received advice, mentoring and guidance as they prepared to enter Senior High School.
ADO1 Spio-Garbrah indicated that the Association would have loved to reach out to more young people but was limited by funds.
He therefore called for public assistance for the CCYDA to promote their cause and further encouraged other community organisations to undertake similar initiatives to support young people to achieve their dreams.
Mr Kwabena Spio-Garbrah, the Vice Chairman of the Association, stressed the need to educate and train the youth, describing them as the future of the city and the country.
He said the CCYDA remained committed to the welfare of the youth and would continue to eliminate barriers to education and reduce the financial burden on parents.
Mr Stephen Haizel, the Assemblyman for the Amoakofua/Mpeasem Electoral Area, advised the students to conduct themselves well and study hard to make their parents proud.
”We will follow up on your performances in your respective schools to ensure that you are really learning,” he said.
Mr Ellicot Nana Kweku Okyere, the Secretary to the Afahye Planning Committee and the Oguaamahen Stool, said the quiz competition and subsequent donations were among the significant benefits of the Fetu Afahye.
He said beyond the quiz, 100 young people were undergoing apprenticeship training to equip them with skills and empower them for the future.
Mr Okyere said Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, attached great importance to education and had secured 30 per cent of SHS placements for children in Cape Coast.
He urged the students to take advantage of the opportunity and pursue their education seriously.
Mr Okyere also encouraged them to study beyond examinations and quizzes, read widely and participate in extracurricular activities to develop diverse skills and capabilities.
He conveyed the Oguaamanhen’s commendation to the CCYDA for its good work and urged the Association to do more to support the youth.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Prince Acquah
Reporter’s e-mail address: [email protected]