Boeing International gives hope to schools and libraries

Accra, April 15, GNA - Schools in Twelve communities in seven regions under the auspices of Boeing International Corporation from the state of California have received a variety of leisure and text books and computers and accessories.

The items, valued at about 15,000 dollars were shipped into the country duty free for libraries and schools in beneficiary communities under a pilot project by the Boeing External Technical Affiliations to be implemented by the World Vision International, a Christian relief and development partnership.

The communities included Shama, Western Region, Kweiman, Greater Accra, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Kawhu, Adukrom and Kpone all in the Eastern Region, Nyanyano District in the Central Region and three other schools in the Volta Region.

Ms Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State In-Charge of Tertiary Education underscored the fact that even with the advent of modern high technology, the magic of books and their attraction remain untouched. She said it was crucial that the habit of reading was developed as early as possible in life because once acquired, it stayed with you with the rest of your life adding, "A child, no matter how poor the parents, is assured of a better future if he is able to acquire a reading habit and become literate.

"Often the difference with performance of two children lies in which one has books and which one doesn't," Ms Ohene said. She thanked Boeing, especially its black employees who took the initiative to start the project in Ghana first, and hope that the schools and libraries in the beneficiary communities would make judicious use of the items in order to make a difference to the children.

Mr Thomas A Frisby, Executive Director of Boeing International said the idea to embark on the project in Ghana started by the black employees in Boeing in California in October last year, who decided to assist after having realised the needs and problems facing education these areas. He said the employees have pledged to assist Ghana and other sister nations later to have a shared interest in promoting education. 15 April 04