The Member of Parliament for the Yendi Constituency, Farouk Aliu Mahama says the cost of education should not be the reason that denies any brilliant child the right to education.
This conviction, he says, is what prompted him to establish the Farouk Aliu Mahama Educational Care Fund (FAMEC-FUND) which has already supported over 150 students in their quest for education.
The MP said he has invested over GHȼ5 million taking care of these students since he assumed office.
The Member of Parliament has a vision dubbed the New Yendi City to transform Yendi into one of the most developed areas in the country. The vision acknowledges the value of education to human development and the transformation agenda of the New Yendi City.
As part of the agenda, he has invested in infrastructural expansion and upgrading logistical support and human resource development among others.
It is in that vein he held an awards scheme to honour 20 teachers for their dedication to duty.
Speaking at the maiden awards ceremony, the MP said the investment in the education sector which is to transform the area can only be achieved if the teachers are on board.
”Teachers’ role is critical than any other school factor that influences educational outcomes. My office remains committed to the welfare of our teachers and we will ensure teachers are fully tooled, skilled and supported to deliver quality learning outcomes to support our developmental aspirations,” he said.
He said but for education, his late father who came from a humble home would not have risen to the position he attained as Vice President of Ghana.
“Education is the only tool that can leapfrog a son of a Koko seller in Yendi, to an accomplished engineer and eventually into a Vice-President in this country. As a strong advocate of a good standard of living, my late father, His Excellency Alhaji Aliu Mahama concerned himself with liberating ourselves from the shackles of poverty through the power of education. In his own words he maintained that ‘Education is the most important weapon against poverty, ignorance and other human sufferings,’” Mr. Farouk said.
The Municipal Director of Education, Sulley Mohammed commended the MP for his immense contributions towards education in the area. He said the MP’s contributions in education are the hallmark of a great leader.
“I need to appreciate you, when I arrived here, everywhere I go there are hallmarks of your wonderful works or footprints across the municipality and I will urge you to continue because you are on the right path and serving your people,” Mr. Mohammed said.
The Municipal Chief Executive of Yendi, Alhaji Yussif Ahmed Abubakar, cautioned the teachers against indiscipline and urged them to take up their responsibilities seriously.
“Some teachers have not been able to perform well because of self discipline, some are either lazy and don’t prepare lesson notes or are perpetual absentees,” he said.
The MCE said the Municipal Education Committee which he chairs has decided to discipline any teacher for such unproductive acts.
The best teacher received a motorbike and cash prize and the best teacher in an underserved community also received a motorbike and cash prize. Other teachers received cash prizes and television sets.
The MP also donated GHȼ20,000 to the teacher’s welfare fund and a fully-funded sponsorship for five head teachers to pursue their Masters.
