Wednesday, September 8, 2010

WORKS ON TAMALE LIBRARY COMPLEX ON HOLD (PAGE 11, SEPT 8, 2010)

THE construction of an ultra-modern library complex in Tamale in the Northern Region has come to a standstill due to the lack of funds to complete the project.
The Bassari Youth Association (BAYA), which started the project, has, therefore, called on corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to help the association continue and complete the project, which is now a little above the foundation stage.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Deputy Secretary of BAYA, Mr Emmanuel Bensonimbu, lamented the current state of the library facility.
“It is quite sad that this project, which is a major initiative to improve education in our district, has come to a standstill,” he stated.
Mr Bensonimbu indicated that the state of education in the district was appalling and noted that about 65 per cent of the pupils who sat for last year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) failed, whilst those who passed creditably were less than 20 per cent.
He blamed the poor performance of the children on the lack of trained teachers, poor school infrastructure and inadequate teaching and learning materials.
“Also, the high incidence of poverty among households in the various communities was contributing to the poor performance of the children and, in some cases, compelled some children to drop out,” he further said.
Mr Bensonimbu said the construction of the library was, therefore, one of the initiatives designed to improve the children’s reading habits and enhance their academic performance.
“The library would create an environment conducive for the children to learn,” he noted.
He commended the Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu/Tatale, Mr John Benam, the district assembly and other individuals who supported the project to its current level.

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