Her Excellency the First Lady, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has encouraged pupils of St. Mary’s Basic and Junior High School at Korle Gonno in Accra to remain confident and refuse to be limited by societal stereotypes against girls.
She delivered this inspiring message during a visit to the school on Thursday, where she also presented essential learning materials to support teaching and learning. Mrs. Mahama emphasised the importance of education, determination, and self-belief for the girl child.
“Do not be intimidated because you are girls. Be confident in your abilities,” she urged, explaining that her visit was not only in her capacity as First Lady and Founder of the Lordina Foundation, but also as an ambassador for the Educating Linda Programme.
The Educating Linda Programme is an initiative of the Merck Foundation aimed at supporting girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay in school and pursue their aspirations.
“This programme is very close to my heart as a woman from a humble background. Education is a transformative tool that changes individuals, families, communities, and nations,” Mrs. Mahama added.
Through a partnership between the Lordina Foundation and the Merck Foundation, twenty exceptional girls from St. Mary’s R/C Girls Basic School have been awarded scholarships to enable them to continue their education without financial barriers.
During the visit, the First Lady donated a range of school supplies, including exercise books, water bottles, pencil holders, rulers, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, pens, and coloured pencils, to enhance the learning experience of the pupils.
The Headmistress of the school, Patience Addy, expressed appreciation to the Merck and Lordina Foundations for their continuous support, noting that the scholarship scheme has significantly motivated the girls to work harder academically. She said the First Lady’s presence and words of encouragement would further boost their confidence and inspire them to aim higher.
The Circuit Supervisor from the Greater Accra Metro Education Office, Martha Breh, who accompanied the delegation, also praised the First Lady for the generous donation. She noted that such initiatives go a long way in empowering girls and motivating them to pursue their dreams with renewed commitment.
Miss Emelia Mensah, one of the scholarship beneficiaries, expressed profound gratitude for the support. She revealed that the scholarship had relieved her family of the financial burden of school supplies, enabling her to concentrate fully on her studies.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
