Tolon DCE decries high dropout rate of girls

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Tolon, Seidu Abubakari, has decried the high rate of girls' school dropout in the country.

Although interventions such as the school feeding programme and the capitation grant have helped increase enrolment, the DCE expressed his alarm at the dropout rate of girls in the country's schools.

The DCE decried this situation at the distribution of school uniforms, sanitary pads, sandals and writing materials among other things to girls in the District.

Mr Abubakari said the disturbing trend compelled Government to introduce the Girls Participatory Approach to Student Success (GIRLS PASS) to increase girls' enrolment in the country.

The policy which provides these girls with books, uniforms and sanitary pads, he explained, is not just to retain the girls in school but also to encourage them to study hard and obtain good results.

Mr Abubakari implored the girls to study hard to justify the resources being pumped into their education. He bemoaned the culture of parents neglecting their responsibilities and leaving children to fend for themselves.

The DCE said it was not surprising that cyber fraud is on the increase and he charged the students to stay away from antisocial nocturnal activities.

The Tolon District Director of Education Amoli Abako in a speech said studies have shown education of girls is critical to the development of the country but agreed there was a gender gap in the education sector.

Attributing this gap to poverty, socio-cultural beliefs and ignorance, Mr Abako said the Tolon district has its share of these challenges facing the girl child.  He said as a policy goal of the country, efforts are being put in place to improve girls' education through numerous interventions by Government and other stakeholders.

The Education director stated that studies conducted by interest groups like CAMPED showed that scholarships for girls are material insensitive for their stay in school. He said the Tolon District is working hard to improve girl child education in the area.

The Regent of Tolon Major Retired Abubakari Suleman described the initiative as a Godsend and insisted it is not a political gimmick. He said it is a practical programme brought to his paramountcy which he was grateful for. The Tolon Regent said he would do himself a huge dishonesty if he does not give praise where it is due. Major Retired Suleman said the DCE has worked tirelessly to bring development to the area, describing him as a humble person who has come down to the ordinary person's level making it easier for the people to interact with him.  

A pupil of Woribugu Junior High School Abdul Salam Zeinab expressed her excitement about the support. She said it will encourage her to study hard to achieve her dream of becoming a soldier.