NGO holds seminar on absenteeism among pupils

Techiman, Nov. 15, GNA - A former Municipal Chief Executive of Techiman has appealed to parents in Techiman to ensure that their children do not sacrifice their future well being for current economic gains.

Mr Isaac Osei-Antwi, now the Coordinator of Interfaith Family Network (INFANET), a non-governmental organisation, said this at a one-day seminar aimed at addressing absenteeism among schoolchildren and students on market days in the municipality. The NGO, in conjunction with the Centre for Indigenous Knowledge in Organisation Development (CIKOD) organised the seminar attended by more than 40 head teachers, parents and pupils. Mr Osei-Antwi expressed regret about absenteeism among the youth on market days and urged parents to help check the practice. "Take advantage of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education and the Capitation Grant and enrol your children in school." "Children without education or skills become a burden in the society in future", he said.

Mr. Jimmy Yeboah-Asumah, Executive Director of INFANET, said the organisation was working towards the elimination of issues that militated against the development of education in the municipality. He said the NGO was determined to help raise the standard of education in the municipality through dialoguing with stakeholders and encouraging community participation.