Over 130 pupils of Nandeng-Zein Academy, a private basic school in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region are getting quality education for free. This is an initiative by the school authorities to support vulnerable kids to have access to quality education regardless of their poor background.
Such students are mostly children who have lost breadwinners of their families who prior to their death, took care of them in the school without any difficulty. In order not to draw them back in terms of the quality education their parents could afford, the school authorities have decided to sponsor their education till they complete the entire school period.
This was made known by the Director of the school, Hajj Issah Bukari, over the weekend during a graduation ceremony held to climax the academic year and to usher hundreds of pupils into both primary and junior high school levels.
He explained that the decision to support such children is inspired by his days of struggle to have a better life and to help others have a better chance at life than he had. The director of the school intimated that the essence is not to be too focused on making money but to give back to society and see to the development of talent and the realization of dreams.
The colorful event saw pupils of the school engage in cultural performances. The revered Prof. David Miller, who was present at the ceremony, admonished parents to ensure that children are given the best education since it remains the surest bet to a better life and development.
He added that the initiative is costing the school millions of Cedis.
Speaking in an interview with Dreamz News, Mr. Bukari, explained that having a tough life growing up motivated him to step in for kids who have found themselves in a rather difficult situation.
“We have close to 130 students in this school who don’t pay a dime and the essence is to also give others the opportunity to have education at no cost because it is a result of how we were brought up. Things were not easy for me when it came to getting educated so we decided to support children who have lost breadwinners, largely those who paid their fees. It is just to give back to society so it is about money but it is but rendering service to improve life.” He disclosed.
The Head Teacher of the School, Alhaj Baba Razak, disclosed that the school placed first in the Basic Certificate Examination (BECE), in 2022.
“Over the school has been registering 100% and every year, we keep improving and so in 2022, the school topped the Bolgatanga Municipality in the BECE. We will want to introduce a policy to assist weak students to catch up and we’re calling on parents to help us to assist the weak students to perform well.” He appealed.
