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 be confident and not deterred by societal stereotypes against girls.
She delivered the message during a visit to the school on Thursday, where she also presented essential learning materials to support teaching and learning. Mrs Mahama underscored the importance of education and self-belief for young girls.
“Do not be intimidated because you are girls. Be confident in your abilities,” she told the pupils, adding 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, an initiative of the Merck Foundation, supports 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,” she said.
Through a partnership with the Merck Foundation, twenty exceptional girls from the St Mary’s R/C Girls Basic School have received scholarships from the Lordina Foundation to further their education.
The First Lady also presented learning materials including exercise books, water bottles, pencil holders, rulers, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, pens, and coloured pencils to enhance the pupils’ academic experience.
Headmistress of the school, Patience Addy, expressed gratitude to the Merck and Lordina Foundations for the support, noting that the scholarships have inspired the girls to excel academically.
She added that the First Lady’s visit would further boost their confidence and encourage them to aim higher.
The Circuit Supervisor from the Greater Accra Metro Education Office, Martha Breh, who accompanied the delegation, praised the gesture and said the initiative would motivate the girls to pursue their dreams with determination.
A scholarship beneficiary, Miss Emelia Mensah, expressed deep appreciation for the support, explaining that the scholarship had eased the financial burden of school supplies and enabled her to focus fully on her studies.
