The Center for Development and Policy Advocacy (CEDEPA), a non-governmental organization in the Northern Region, marked Ghana’s 68th Independence Day by recognizing ten outstanding students from the Tolon District for their academic excellence. In collaboration with Adanfo Ghana, a Netherlands-based charity, CEDEPA has launched a transformative initiative titled Skills Training for Street-connected Young Girls Project. This two-year program, which began in 2024, provides 35 vulnerable young girls with vocational training in weaving, computer skills, phone repairs, and Multi TV installation and repairs. The project aims to empower young girls and bridge the education gap in the district.
Scholarship Categories
As part of this initiative, ten young females from the Tolon District were selected for scholarships based on specific criteria. The scholarships fall into two categories:
- BECE Academic Excellence Awards – Targeting academically gifted but underprivileged young females who have gained admission to senior high schools.
- In-School Support for Brilliant Female Students – Supporting deprived female students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in the selected communities.
Each category has five beneficiaries. The BECE Academic Excellence Awardees receive citations of excellence, textbooks, and sanitary pads, while the In-School Support beneficiaries receive bicycles to facilitate their commute to school.
Call for Support from Authorities
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ziblim Alhassan, a research fellow and consultant at CEDEPA, emphasized the economic and educational challenges facing the Tolon District. He noted that the district is one of the most deprived in the Northern Region, grappling with multidimensional poverty and a high number of young female migrants engaged in kayaye (head porter) work. He urged the Member of Parliament and the District Assembly to sustain and expand this initiative beyond its two-year timeline to help alleviate poverty in the district.
The Tolon District Director of Education, Alhaji Alhassan Sumani, commended CEDEPA and Adanfo Ghana for their intervention and encouraged other NGOs to adopt similar initiatives to support education in rural communities.
Tackling Drug Abuse Among Youth
The Tolon District Coordinating Director, Hajia Abubakari Saani Rumaisha, raised concerns over the rising drug abuse among school-going youth, particularly the use of tramadol, marijuana, and shisha. She attributed the issue to factors such as poverty, lack of recreational facilities, weak parental control, unemployment, and peer pressure.
“As we celebrate our independence today, we must resolve to reset our strategies to protect the future of our children. We cannot afford to let this menace continue to derail the hopes and dreams of our young people,” she stated.
She called for a collective effort involving the government, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and the broader community to combat drug abuse through counseling services, awareness campaigns, skills training, and alternative opportunities for young people. She also emphasized the role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty that often leads to substance abuse.
Educational Performance in the Tolon District
Providing an analysis of education trends in the district, Hajia Abubakari Saani Rumaisha highlighted the following performance statistics:
Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) Pass Rates:
- 2021: 90.2%
- 2022: 89.1%
- 2023: 86.41%
Despite a slight decline, she assured stakeholders that efforts are being made to improve educational standards through better teaching resources and infrastructure.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Pass Rates:
- 2021: 49.51%
- 2022: 45.9%
- 2023: 47.7%
She noted that while there is progress, more needs to be done to enhance academic performance at the senior high school level. She advocated for improved teaching materials, mentorship programs, and career guidance to support students in the district.
Testimonials from Beneficiaries
Mr. Osman Abubakar, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that it has eased his financial burden and motivated his child to excel academically.
A student beneficiary, Zakaria Namawu, encouraged her peers to focus on their studies so they could also benefit from similar scholarship opportunities in the future.
The partnership between CEDEPA and Adanfo Ghana continues to serve as a beacon of hope for young girls in the Tolon District, offering them a pathway to a brighter future through education and empowerment.
Source : Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/Zaaghana.com
