Kindergarten education is compulsory -First Lady reminds Ghanaians

Accra, March 11, GNA - Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, First Lady, on Thursday reminded Ghanaians that kindergarten education for children between four and six years formed part of the compulsory framework of basic education.

She therefore advised parents to ensure that their children had access to kindergarten education since it provided the right foundation for their education.

Mrs. Naadu Mills was inaugurating a new kindergarten facility built by the Indian Women's Association of Ghana for the Nima Cluster of Schools in Accra.

She noted that only about 75 per cent of children of kindergarten going age had the opportunity to utilise the facility due to the relatively high fees charged by most proprietors. Describing the facility as a model for the children of Nima, Mrs. Naadu Mills commended members of the association and the National Partnership for Children's Trust for the initiative.

Mrs. Mehek Mohinani, President of the association, said as a regular visitor to the area, she was touched by the plight of the children who were housed in a make-shift shed. She said the association in collaboration with the National Partnership for Children's Trust and other organisations began work on the facility in August 2008.

The facility estimated at GH¢70,000 has been furnished with kindergarten books, toys, teaching and learning materials as well as other facilities to make the children comfortable. Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, said education was a priceless gift that parents should provide for their children.

"Development of the mind is a lasting gift that cannot be taken away by anyone", she added.

Dr. Mustapha Ahmed, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East who is constructing a library and a computer laboratory for the area, urged the people to support the project to ensure the children acquired the best education.