Torgbi Tsifokpe III, Chief of Klikor Afuta, Ketu South has advised young learners to take their education seriously, emphasising that education is the most effective way to break the cycle of poverty.
He gave the advice when he donated excise books, pens and mathematical sets to his former school, Agbodokope Junior High School at Agbozume in the Ketu South Municipality to motivate the final year pupils to put in their best in the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination.
He said education’s transformative power in improving one’s socio-economic circumstances through equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking needed to secure better opportunities and make informed decisions.
Torgbi Tsifokpe promised to get the school three computers to help in the teaching and learning of Information and Communication Technology before the end of the year and assured them of contacting the Ketu South National Service Secretariat for personnel to manage the school’s library.
“The only way to eliminate poverty in your family is to take your studies seriously. Education helps you to know how to take care of yourself, finance and guides you in decision making. Education helps you to be a good entrepreneur, get gainful employment and take care of oneself and society.”
Torgbi Tsifokpe who is the General Manager of Homebase Electricals and Lighting and part-time lecturer at West End University College urged pupils to use the power of imagination saying, individuals could become whatever they put their mind to and work towards it.
“I was once like you. The only thing I had then was the power of imagination. I always saw myself driving cars, sitting in a big office, and attending business meetings. And here I am today, a General Manager and a Chief. You can be what you imagine. You are the potential lawyers, doctors, engineers, Police officers, soldiers, and many more.”
Mr Julius Kuadugah, head teacher of the school thanked Torgbi Tsifokpe and his entourage for coming, believing that their presence would serve as a morale booster to the pupils.
Chief Supt Esi Marufatu (Rtd) in her speech, advised the learners to avoid social vices such as drugs, stealing and disrespect for their teachers and the elderly in society saying, “the first quality of a successful person is discipline and hard work.”
Madam Joan Galley, a teacher and old pupil asked the girl pupils, not to look at their present situation and make silly mistakes such as engaging in early sex which could lead to teenage pregnancy, and which could truncate their education.
Mama Avagah II, Queen of Klikor Afuta urged the pupils to be helpful to their parents and guardians and not consider doing household chores as child labour or suffering because that would rather prepare them for the future.