Stakeholders asked to help fight social vices in society

Stakeholders in the education sector have been called upon to help fight against social vices so as to bring transformation in the society.

Mr Christian Donkoh President of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral in Takoradi made the call during the third graduation ceremony of St John Paul II School in Takoradi.

The graduation ceremony held on the theme: "The Pen is mightier than the Sword" saw a total of 40 kindergarten pupils graduating to basic one.

The colourful event was interspersed with melodious songs from the school choir, Bible quotations, poetry recitals and choreographic display by nursery and kindergarten pupils.

There were also motivational speeches from professionals such lawyers, bankers, nurses, military officers, fire officers and reverend sisters who all encouraged the pupils to take their studies seriously if they want to be responsible citizens in future.

Mr Donkoh the guest speaker who based his speech on the theme, said "Like the pen, though small, was mightier than the sword, with enormous uses and that people should emulate the pen by exhibiting acts that would bring peace and unity in the society.

He explained that the power of the pen apart from it being used to write books, which give education, knowledge and wisdom it also help people to know about history and other subjects of study.

He reminded the teachers that parents have entrusted their wards in their care to enable them to “give pens and not swords in school”, stressing that the future of the pupils were in their hands and they relied on them for their tuition and a very good foundation than any other person.

Mr Donkoh who is also the President of the Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral branch of the Knights of St John International, tasked parents to ensure they give their wards all the attention and support that they needed to enable them succeed.

"You are to make sure their home work is done, pay their school fees and support them by giving them extra tuition at home no matter what, by so doing, their future responsibilities would not be an albatross hanging on their neck".

Mrs Agnes Akuoko, head teacher of the school, commended the PTA and Board of Directors for their contributions towards the development of the school.

The head teacher said the school with a teacher population of 24 was able to improve upon discipline in the school, which had resulted in improvement in academic work.

Mrs Akuoko said the school, which was established by the Catholic Church in 2009 and registered in 2014 with 14 pupils and five teachers now has a pupil population of 415, made up of 183 boys and 232 girls.

She said to further improve upon academic performance of the pupils a number of measures such regular visits to the school by the Board, step-up exams after every four weeks of teaching , intensive monitoring of teacher attendance to classes and the giving of copious exercises among others were being pursued.

The graduands received certificates while deserving pupils in the areas of best in English, mathematics, neatness and the overall best pupil were presented with book awards.