Association launches scholarship scheme for orphans

Accra (Greater Accra), 15 Feb.'99 -

The Nkwatia Youth Association (NYA), a development-oriented organisation of non-resident citizens of Nkwatia in the Kwahu South district in the Eastern region, yesterday launched a scholarship scheme to assist orphans in the area. Mr Opoku Preko, district chief executive, said since orphans are often left alone to fend for themselves, they may not even have the chance to enjoy basic education. ''There is, therefore, the possibility that they will grow up to be vagabonds and 'second-rate' citizens in their own communities.'' Mr Preko said it is for this reason that the initiative taken by the NYA is commendable and hoped the effort would not be a nine days' wonder. He hoped the beneficiaries would show their appreciation towards the gesture by taking their studies seriously.

The district chief executive charged similar associations within the district to take a cue from the NYA and complement the efforts of the assembly in providing communities with some of their basic necessities. Mr Preko urged well-to-do citizens of Kwahu to assist the disadvantaged youth, adding that the assembly is in the process of instituting a similar scheme to assist brainy but needy students. The scheme will take off as soon as modalities for its implementation have been worked out, he said. Mr Alex Osei, chairman of the NYA, said initially the association will focus its attention on orphans at Nkwatia and later extend the offer to other orphans on the entire Kwahu Ridge.