Pupils at Ho mark their first day in school

Ho, Sept 13, GNA - Pupils of the E.P. Bankoe Primary School in the Ho Municipality marked their first day of the 2005-2006 academic year with singing, drumming and dancing to welcome primary one pupils to the school.

Also there to welcome the beginners were Mr Kofi Dzamesi, the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Mawutor Goh, the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, the Regional Director of Education, Mr Victor Mensah, the Municipal Director of Education and officials of the Ghana Education Service (GES). Also present were officials of Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), the Non-Formal Education Division (NFED), and the Ho Bankoe Elorm E.P. Church Parish Pastor Rev Samuel Otieku. Exercise books, pencils, biscuits and sunshades were distributed to the pupils.

The nationwide occasion dubbed "My first day at School 2005", offered the pupils to get to know the officials. The pupils burst into prolonged applause and dancing when Mr Dzamesi informed them that they would have fee-free education and free lunch at school in the near future.

He said education was vital for their future development and that of the country and that was why the government was committed to giving each of them the opportunity to get educated. Mr Dzamesi urged the continuing pupils and teachers to create a happy environment for the beginners to like to be in school. A total of 60 kindergarten pupils were ushered into class one with an assurance by the Headmistress, Madam Vida Oyiadzo that there were enough classroom space and furniture.

Mr Mensah said ''My first Day in School" was instituted by the government to welcome Primary one pupils to school to make them feel at home as a means of whipping up their interest to want to stay in school. He said the aim was also to make the beginners first impression about school a memorable one.

"It will be a bridge to make the transition from home environment to school a smooth one", Mr Mensah said.

He therefore urged continuing pupils and teachers to assist their younger colleagues and pupils adjust quickly to the new environment.