School dropouts attributed to gambling and trading by children

Srebuoso (Ash), Oct 16, GNA- The people of Srebuoso in the Atwima District have attributed the increasing school drop-outs in the area to gambling and petty trading along the Kumasi-Bibiani trunk road. They have, therefore, called on parents and other stakeholders to assist School Management Committees (SMCs) and the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to address the problem, which is seriously affecting the development of education in the area.

These were some of the problems discussed at a forum organised by the Atwima District Education Directorate at Srebuoso on Tuesday. It was attended by teachers, chiefs, unit committees, assembly members and SMCs, PTAs.

Mr Wilson Awuah-Dartey, officer in-charge of basic education at the District Education Office, advised the SMCs and school authorities to ensure transparency in school finances.

He advised them to keep proper financial management and bookkeeping records and advised SMCs to be involved in the preparation of school budgets.

Mr Abubakari M. Salis, a member of the District's Management Implementation Team (DMIT), asked the people to organise regular programmes and activities to raise funds to support the school and monitor homework of pupils.

Madam Grace Danso, the Headteacher, thanked the Atwima District Assembly for putting up a three-classroom block for the local Junior Secondary School (JSS).

Nana Fosu Mensah, the SMC chairman who presided, commended teachers in the basic school for their hard work and effective use of school instructional time.