Following his participation in the sod-cutting ceremony for the community self-help teachers’ bungalow project at Nanapa, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East District, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim, proceeded to Anyinam, the district capital, where he attended the Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration of the Presbyterian Primary School.
The ceremony, which commenced at 2:00 p.m., brought together the DCE, representatives of the Information Services Department (ISD), the District Assembly’s Administration, the District Director of Education for Atiwa East, representatives of the Anyinam Traditional Authority, teachers, parents, guardians, members of the media, and the school’s learners.
The occasion was marked by a colourful display of talent and creativity as learners showcased their abilities through fashion displays, cultural performances, dance presentations, and other artistic activities. The various performances demonstrated the confidence, creativity, discipline, and talents of the young learners, while also providing an opportunity for them to apply practical skills beyond the traditional classroom environment.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim commended the school’s management and teaching staff for their efforts in providing learners with a holistic educational experience. He stressed that education should go beyond academic instruction and should create opportunities for children to discover, develop, and nurture their talents from an early age.
The DCE particularly praised the teachers for incorporating activities such as fashion, cultural displays, dance, and other practical and creative activities into the learning experience. He noted that exposing children to such activities at an early stage could help them identify their interests and talents while equipping them with practical skills that could become valuable in their future lives and careers.
He encouraged teachers to continue making effective use of the school curriculum to support the intellectual, creative, social, and practical development of learners. According to him, children must be given the opportunity to develop not only academically but also in areas that could prepare them for future opportunities.
Hon. Owusu Ntim also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of developing and sustaining a strong maintenance culture in schools. He called on school authorities, teachers, parents, learners, and the community to take collective responsibility for maintaining school buildings, furniture, teaching and learning materials, and other educational facilities.
He explained that the construction of new educational infrastructure must be complemented by proper maintenance of existing facilities to ensure their longevity and to provide learners with a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment for teaching and learning.
In a particularly personal moment during his address, the DCE disclosed that he himself was a former pupil of the Presbyterian Primary School, Anyinam, having attended the school from the infant level through to completion.
Reflecting on his connection with the institution, Hon. Owusu Ntim expressed appreciation for the foundation the school provided during his formative years. He noted that his personal experience at the school made his presence at the occasion especially significant.
He further expressed his willingness to support the upbringing, education, and development of children within the district in every way possible. He emphasized that children represent the future of the district and therefore deserve the collective attention and support of parents, educators, traditional authorities, the District Assembly, and other stakeholders.
The DCE encouraged parents and guardians to take an active role in the education and upbringing of their children, stressing that the development of responsible and productive citizens requires a strong partnership between the home, school, community, and local government.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to recognize and reward learners who had distinguished themselves in academic performance and other areas of achievement. The awards were presented as a means of motivating the learners to maintain their commitment to their studies and other activities.
The District Director of Education, Miss Pearl Leonel Acquah, commended the management and teachers of the Presbyterian Primary School for their dedication to providing quality education and nurturing the talents of learners.
She encouraged parents and guardians to continue supporting their children’s education and urged the learners to remain disciplined, hardworking, and committed to their studies. She also emphasized the importance of combining academic excellence with practical skills, creativity, and good values to prepare the children for the future.
She expressed appreciation to the DCE and the District Assembly for their continued support towards education in the district and called for sustained collaboration among schools, parents, communities, and stakeholders to improve educational outcomes.
The representatives of the Anyinam Traditional Authority and other stakeholders present expressed their continued support for initiatives aimed at improving education and creating opportunities for young people in the community.
The Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration therefore served not only as an occasion to recognize academic excellence but also as a platform to celebrate talent, culture, creativity, discipline, and holistic child development.
The DCE’s participation in the event, following his earlier engagement at Nanapa, further underscored the District Assembly’s commitment to supporting education, community development, and initiatives that contribute to the growth and well-being of children across the Atiwa East District.
