First Lady Encourages St. Mary’s School Girls, Donates Educational Materials

Her Excellency, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, has urged pupils of St. Mary’s Basic and Junior High School in Korle Gonno, Accra, to be confident and not let societal stereotypes limit their potential.

During her visit on Thursday, the First Lady also presented essential learning materials to support the school’s teaching and learning activities. She highlighted the importance of education and self-belief for young girls.

“Do not be intimidated because you are girls. Believe in your abilities,” she told the pupils, noting that her visit was both as Ghana’s First Lady and as founder of the Lordina Foundation, as well as an ambassador for the Educating Linda Programme.

The Educating Linda Programme, an initiative of the Merck Foundation, helps girls from disadvantaged backgrounds remain in school and pursue their dreams.

“This programme is very close to my heart as someone from a humble background,” Mrs. Mahama said. “Education is transformative; it changes individuals, families, communities, and nations.”

Through a partnership with the Merck Foundation, twenty outstanding girls from St. Mary’s R/C Girls Basic School have received scholarships from the Lordina Foundation to further their education.

In addition, the First Lady donated learning materials including exercise books, water bottles, pencil holders, rulers, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, pens, and coloured pencils to enhance classroom learning.

The school’s headmistress, Patience Addy, expressed gratitude to both the Merck and Lordina Foundations, noting that the scholarships have inspired the girls to strive for academic excellence. She added that the First Lady’s visit would further boost their confidence and ambitions.

Martha Breh, Circuit Supervisor from the Greater Accra Metro Education Office, praised the initiative, saying it would motivate the girls to pursue their goals with determination.

One scholarship recipient, Emelia Mensah, shared her appreciation, explaining that the support eased the financial burden of school supplies and allowed her to focus fully on her studies.