ISMAT Foundation Partners with Atwima Mponua Assembly to Support 17 BECE Graduates

The ISMAT Foundation, a non-governmental organisation committed to supporting vulnerable people and empowering young people, has partnered with the Atwima Mponua District Assembly to support 17 brilliant Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates as they transition to Senior High School (SHS).

The beneficiaries, who obtained aggregates ranging from six to 12 in this year’s BECE, received backpacks, textbooks, scientific calculators and toiletries to support their transition to SHS.

The initiative was aimed at recognising academic excellence while motivating other young people in the district to take their education seriously and strive for higher academic achievements.

Interestingly, 13 of the 17 beneficiaries are girls from Yaw Kusikrom, a remote community in the district. Their performance has brought pride to their families and community while highlighting emerging gender disparities in educational progression.

Addressing the gathering, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Mponua, Mr Issahak Ibrahim, expressed concern about the growing gap in educational progression between boys and girls in the district.

He attributed part of the challenge to some boys leaving school prematurely to engage in trading and other economic activities in search of quick financial gains.

“For us, the issue is not simply about academic performance; it is about the future of the district,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim called for renewed attention and targeted interventions to encourage boys to remain in school, develop their talents and pursue their educational aspirations rather than sacrifice their long-term future for short-term financial gains.

He urged the beneficiaries to consider the support as both an opportunity and a responsibility, encouraging them to remain disciplined, committed and focused on their studies.

The DCE assured students and parents that the Assembly would continue to support initiatives that promote quality education and create an enabling environment for young people to pursue their aspirations.

He said the Assembly would develop and implement appropriate measures to address the gender gap in educational progression and ensure that both boys and girls had equal opportunities to excel.

Mr Ibrahim commended the ISMAT Foundation, parents, teachers and other stakeholders for their continued efforts to promote education and nurture young talents in the Atwima Mponua District.

Jephthah Kwame Sarfo, ISD – Nyinahin