Stay focused on your books - MP Frank Yeboah tells SHS freshers

The Member of Parliament for the Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency, Frank Yeboah, has advised incoming Senior High School (SHS) students to remain focused on their studies and strive for academic excellence.

He cautioned that while metal trunks and provisions would make their stay on campus more comfortable, true academic success depends on personal discipline, focus and hard work.

The MP also urged parents to give their children adequate time to study at home during vacations rather than overwhelming them with domestic and farm chores at the expense of their academic work.

He gave the advice during a back-to-school outreach organised by the MP, where he presented metal trunks, chop boxes, exercise books, footwear and food provisions to dozens of SHS freshers across the constituency to support their transition to Senior High School.

Admonishing the young beneficiaries before they reported to their respective campuses, the lawmaker urged them to make full use of the opportunity to build a bright future for themselves and their communities.

“The trunk may carry your clothes, and the chop box may carry your food, but it is only determination and hard work that can carry you to success. Stay very hard on your books, remain focused, stay disciplined, and work hard so that you can become prominent citizens who will return to continue the good work we have started,” he advised.

Turning his attention to the parents and guardians present, the MP appealed for a shift in how students are treated during school vacations.

“Many times, when these children come home on holiday, parents tend to forget that they need time to revise. I am not saying it is bad for them to support you on the farm or at home, but you must give them enough time to study so they do not lag behind their classmates who do not engage in heavy chores during vacations,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the donation, the MP said the initiative was born out of an understanding of the financial difficulties parents face during the SHS admission season.

Each beneficiary received a trunk, a chop box, exercise books, a pair of boots and other provisions.

Speaking in an interview with this reporter, the MP said although the drive was originally planned for a specific number of registered students, more than 60 additional needy students turned up at the venue.

He, however, reassured the gathering that all the latecomers would be catered for.

“We planned for a specific number, but about 60 additional students arrived who were not originally on the list. We are going to supply all the remaining 62 new students because their education is equally important,” he promised.

Detailing his long-term educational roadmap for the constituency, the lawmaker revealed an ambitious 10-year full scholarship initiative designed to build critical human resource capacity in medicine and engineering.

“My target is to sponsor at least 10 medical doctors and 10 engineers on full scholarships within a 10-year period,” he disclosed.