Her Excellency, First Lady Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has urged the pupils of St. Mary’s Basic and Junior High School at Korle Gonno, Accra, to stay confident and not be limited by societal stereotypes.
During her visit on Thursday, Mrs. Mahama presented essential learning materials to support both teaching and learning at the school. She emphasized that education, determination, and self-confidence are key to shaping the future of young girls.
“Do not be intimidated because you are girls. Believe in your abilities,” she said, noting that she visited not only as First Lady and founder of the Lordina Foundation but also as an ambassador for the Education Linda Programme.
This initiative, run by the Merck Foundation, helps girls from disadvantaged backgrounds stay in school and pursue their dreams. Through its partnership with the Lordina Foundation, 20 exceptional students from St. Mary’s R/C Girls Basic School have received scholarships to continue their education.
Mrs. Mahama also handed over a variety of school supplies, including exercise books, water bottles, rulers, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, pencil holders, and colored pencils, to enhance the students’ learning experience.
Headmistress Patience Addy expressed gratitude to both the Merck and Lordina Foundations, saying the scholarships have motivated the beneficiaries to excel academically. The First Lady’s presence and empowering message, she added, would further boost the girls’ confidence and ambitions.
Martha Breh, Circuit Supervisor from the Greater Accra Metro Education Office, described the initiative as a strong motivation for girls to pursue their dreams with purpose.
One beneficiary, Miss Emelia Mensah, thanked the foundations, noting that the scholarship had eased the financial burden of school supplies and allowed her to focus entirely on her studies.