VRA gives 30 million cedis worth of books to schools

Accra, Dec. 15, GNA - The Volta River Authority (VRA) on Wednesday said it has donated a total of 23,000 exercise books valued at more than 30 million cedis to newly enrolled pupils in three districts and an orphanage since the beginning of the 2004/2005 academic year.

The books were distributed to class one pupils in Osudoku Traditional Area in Dangbe West, Asuogyaman and North Tongu Districts and NECTAR Home in Manya Krobo District.

A statement signed by Major J. B. Gyasi (rtd), Director of Public Affairs of VRA, said the donation was in fulfilment of the pledge made by the Authority under its Community Development Initiative (CDI) to lend support to communities in its operational areas in education and four other mutually agreed areas.

These are social infrastructure, income-generating projects, youth industrial attachment and cultural events.

It said the CDI of the Authority was the result of several months of dialogue and discussions with the communities to help meet some of their developmental needs and seek their welfare.

The Authority in making the presentations pledged to constantly make a difference in the lives of the pupils.

It said: "It takes everyone's involvement to ensure quality education for today's youth," and urged parents and teachers to work together to ensure that the children remained in school and attained academic excellence.

"Our primary goal is to make a difference in the lives of the children by bringing light into their hearts", the statement said. The Ghana Education Service (GES) officials noted that the impact of the donation transcended the lives of the pupils and the relief that it provided to parents and that it would further strengthen the bonds between VRA and the people.

VRA has long recognised the value of strong ties with communities in its operational areas. Over the years the communities have regularly received some form of support from the Authority, including free medical care to lakeside communities, reforestation programmes and provision of life jackets to promote safe lake transportation.