65 Underprivileged students get YEAS scholarships

The Youth Education and Awareness Society (YEAS), an Islamic non-governmental organisation committed to youth educational development, has awarded scholarships to 65 underprivileged tertiary students in Accra. 

The gesture aims to alleviate the financial burdens on brilliant needy students residing in Abeka-Lapaz and surrounding communities to cover  their tuition fees and other essential academic needs.

At the seventh annual scholarship presentation ceremony held in Accra, the recipients, comprising university students, teaching and nursing trainees, were given financial support ranging from GH¢1,200 to GH¢4,500, along with learning materials.

The beneficiaries consist of Muslims and non-Muslims.

Mission

At the ceremony to present the awards, the Director of YEAS, Sheikh Issah Ibrahim Adam, spoke about the NGO’s mission to fuel academic excellence among students from deprived communities.

“We are committed to investing in young people’s education because we believe it is the cornerstone of quality livelihood and sustainable development,” he said.

He urged the beneficiaries to effectively utilise the scholarship to excel in their education, and assured them of the continuous support of YEAS, headquartered in Agona Swedru, in the Central Region.

For his part, the Operations Manager of YEAS, Abdul Rahman Ibrahim, noted that since the launch of the YEAS Educational Support Programme in 2018, which started by aiding just eight students, the initiative had grown rapidly.

This started by offering support to 15 students in 2019, followed by 22 in 2020, 28 in 2021, 44 in 2022 and 60 in 2023. 

Landmark

According to him, this year’s landmark support to 65 students was a testament to the NGO’s growing impact, and expressed appreciation to its partners for the collaboration that have enabled YEAS to expand its scholarship programme.

The Zongo Chief of Okaikwe,  Sulley Issah, who graced the event, advised the youth against indiscipline and negative peer pressure which could lead to social vices.

He also urged the beneficiaries to show appreciation for the scholarship by excelling in their studies.

“You must ensure that this financial assistance offered you does not go down the drain. Do well to excel in your education and training to become productive citizens to benefit society,”

The Tesano Branch Manager of Ecobank Ghana, Geraldine Ashitey, lauded YEAS for its pivotal role in supporting education, and expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly ease the academic journey of the beneficiaries.

In a show of continued solidarity, she assured YEAS of the bank’s commitment to providing financial literacy training for young people by empowering them to make informed financial decisions.