My First Day at School: Obuasi MCE Extends Initiative to Fresh JHS Students
Junior High School (JHS) One students in the Obuasi Municipality have received a special welcome to their new academic journey, as the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Faustilove Appiah Kannin, extended the annual My First Day at School celebration to include them.
The initiative, traditionally organised to welcome children entering formal education for the first time, took a new dimension this year as the MCE and her entourage presented educational materials and refreshments to both new entrants at the basic level and fresh JHS students.
The items presented included exercise books, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, school bags and other learning materials, together with snacks and drinks.
The MCE, accompanied by officials from the Municipal Assembly and the Municipal Education Directorate, visited seven schools across the municipality as part of activities to mark the annual My First Day at School programme.
The schools visited were Apetitikooko M/A Basic School, Nhyieso M/A Basic School, Bediem Experimental School, Anyinam Methodist Basic School, Bedieso M/A Basic School, Bogobiri M/A Basic School and SDA Basic School.
While the national initiative is traditionally focused on children beginning their formal education, this year’s celebration in Obuasi was expanded to include JHS One students.
The MCE explained that the decision was to recognise the transition of pupils from the basic level into Junior High School and encourage them to approach the next stage of their education with renewed commitment.
Addressing pupils, students and teachers at the various schools, Madam Appiah Kannin encouraged the students to take their studies seriously and remain focused on their educational goals.
She described education as an important tool for enlightenment, personal advancement and national development.
According to her, quality education equips young people with the knowledge and skills required to secure meaningful employment, become responsible citizens and contribute to the development of their communities and the country.
The MCE also expressed appreciation to teachers for their dedication and commitment to educating the nation’s children.
She acknowledged the important role teachers play in shaping young people’s character and future and urged them to continue upholding the standards of professionalism and dedication required to provide quality education.
She further encouraged parents and guardians to complement teachers’ efforts by creating supportive learning environments for their children at home.
The Municipal Director of Education, Mr George Alfred Koomson, also urged the pupils and students to take their academic work seriously.
He encouraged them to cultivate discipline, respect their teachers and show due respect to parents, guardians and the elderly.
Mr Koomson reminded the students that academic success requires discipline, commitment and consistency, urging them to make good use of the educational opportunities available to them.
The celebration also received support from Jachin Foods Limited, which provided branded exercise books and refreshments for the pupils and students. The beneficiaries received biscuits and drinks as part of efforts to make the occasion memorable for the children.
The gesture was particularly welcomed by the young pupils, who expressed excitement over the educational materials and gifts presented to them.
The MCE was accompanied by Madam Bertha Adu Koranteng, Deputy Director of Administration; Mr Ernest Kofi Offen, Municipal Information Officer; Mr Henry Yeboah, Assistant Director; and officers from the Municipal Education Directorate.
The My First Day at School programme forms part of broader efforts to promote access to education, encourage school enrolment and create a positive environment for children beginning their educational journey.
By extending the celebration to JHS One students, the Obuasi Municipal Assembly sought to reinforce the importance of supporting children not only at the point of entering school but also at critical stages of their educational progression.
Ernest Kofi Offen, ISD
Obuasi
