C220m vocational school block inaugurated

Essuowin (Ash), Sept 25, GNA- A 220 million-cedis vocational school block to help train girls in trades for them to become economically self-supporting has been inaugurated at Essuowin in the Amansie West District of Ashanti.

The Defence Co-operation Office of the American Embassy in Accra and the local community provided funds for the project. The Americans contributed 165.3 million cedis while the chiefs and people of the town paid the remaining amount and offered communal labour.

Lieutenant-Colonel Kim Hooper, Head of the Defence Co-operation at the Embassy, said education is the building block for strong economy and lasting democracy.

''It is for this reason that every effort should be made to promote quality education for the people'', he said.

Mr Benjamin Kwakye-Adeefe, the District Chief Executive, described the project as a symbol of what could be achieved through genuine partnership between foreign donors and the local communities.

He asked the people to let the support from the Americans spur them on to initiate and implement more self-help projects.

Nana Akyena Kwagyan Nuama V, Essuowinhene, said helping the girls to acquire employable skills could assist to reduce the high incidence of teenage pregnancy in the area.

"It is only when we create the opportunity for our young women to earn some money that would make them financially self-dependent", the chief said. 25 Sept. 03