MAREDES supports Girls' Mathematics Education

The Marshallan Relief and Development Services (MARDES), a Non-Governmental Organisation for the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, a Catholic friendly society, has in collaboration with Ecobank Ghana rolled out the 2014 support programme for Girls' Mathematics Education.

The programme, which aims at providing mathematical sets to girls in deprived and rural basic schools, is to encourage the study of mathematics and science among the girl child.

Ecobank Ghana donated Ghc 20, 000 to support this year's project which is targeted at reaching 3,000 in deprived and rural schools.

Mr Ernest Hayford, Ecobank representative at the function, regretted that mathematics in Girl-Child education was one of the areas that received less attention in deprived and rural areas, adding that most girls lacked materials to help in their education.

Ecobank, Mr Hayford, partnered MAREDES on the project to supply very basic materials such as mathematical sets, because they believed that the girls could excel if assisted with the necessary materials.

Performing the launch at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra, Mr Edward Prah, Chairman of MAREDES Board of Directors, thanked Ecobank for its support to the project, which he said was geared towards addressing a social need. Mr Prah hoped the gesture would help sustain the programme so that it can reach one million Junior High School female pupils in deprived areas in the next few years.

He said by November 5, Marshallan branches in each region across the country would make donations to 300 Junior High School girls in selected deprived areas.

He explained that MAREDES' initiative was meant to encourage girls, both psychologically and practically to pursue Mathematics education, since it opened a wide range of opportunities to girls to reach enviable heights in social, academic and professional disciplines.

Mr Prah, encouraged the beneficiary of mathematical sets not to relent in their efforts to study, but rather ignore the stereotypes that society may put on them, entreating them to dare to stand up, step out and aim high in life.

Pledging Marshallans continued support for the girls, he said, “Ghana needs caring and compassionate women leaders who will promote the common good.” He added, “The effort you girls make to properly educate yourselves today will greatly contribute to this future endeavour.”

He said in future MAREDES would extend the assistance to providing career guidance and counselling as well as procuring other educational materials for the girls to improve their performance and education.

In a welcome address, Mrs Elizabeth Anderson-Yebuah, Vice Chairperson of MAREDES' board, recalled that in April 2013, with a GHC 7,100 support from Ecobank, the project assisted over 2,000 female pupils in deprived and rural communities to develop their interest in Mathematics.

Present at the event was Mr Derx Baffour, Executive Secretary of MAREDES and other dignitaries.