Philanthropists hold free vacation classes for students

A one-month free vacation classes have started for needy pupils within the Madina-La Nkwantanang of Municipality in the Greater Accra Region.

The programme was initiated by Human Rights Lawyer, Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, who lives in the municipality.

Known as Vacation community outreach, the programme is being organised under the auspices of the Centre For Poverty Alleviation, with support from Value For Life, a non-governmental organisation founded by the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Dzifa Abla Gomashie, which is providing educational materials.

Speaking to the Daily Graphic, Mr Sosu said he had been undertaking the outreach since 2011, indicating that this year’s programme would focus on the teaching of Mathematics, English and Science, adding that the Value For Life will engage the participants in Culture and Creative Arts activities once a week at no cost.

Motivation

He said his motivation for the outreach stemmed from his personal experience, as he grew up as a poor and deprived child.
According to him, there were a good number of pupils who were very brilliant but for lack of finances and other resources, were unable to fully realise their potential.

“My goal is to give my little support to these children in the hope that they can grow to become what they aspire to be in this life and for them to make a meaningful contribution to national development,” he said.

Mr Sosu said the special outreach had been approved and supported by the Municipal Directorate of Education and the Girl Child Unit.
He expressed his gratitude to the various headteachers and volunteer teachers who had made the classes possible.

Children from primary one to Junior High School (JHS) Two will benefit from classes in 12 different schools in Oyarifa, Teiman, Pantang, Adenta West and Nkwantanang. The schools in Nkwantanang will host all interested pupils from the Zongo and Social Welfare areas as well.

When the Daily Graphic visited some of the schools in the municipality, the children were seen busily going through their academic exercises.

A class six pupil at Oyarifa told this reporter that this was the first time she had had the chance of attending vacation classes.

Writer’s email: victor.kwawukume@graphic.com.gh