MBENGWI, NORTH-WEST REGION — More than 2,000 school-going youths in Mbengwi Central Subdivision have received educational support from the Ndangoh Tah Calvin Foundation, in what has been described as one of the Foundation’s largest interventions in support of education.
The beneficiaries received the assistance over the weekend during the Annual General Meeting of the Mbengwi Elements Development Association (MEDA) at the Mbengwi Palace.
The initiative, according to Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, founder of the Foundation, is aimed at encouraging parents to keep their children in school while providing support to young people whose education may be threatened by the difficult circumstances facing families and communities.
“Send Your Children to School”
Addressing parents and community members at the event, Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin delivered a strong appeal for parents to send their children to school and ensure that they remain in school.
He said the future of Mbengwi depends largely on the quality of education and security provided to its young people.
«“The education and security of our children should be our primary concern,” he declared.»
He called on parents to take greater responsibility for the education of their children and urged the entire community to create a safer environment around schools.
Community Vigilance Around Schools
The Foundation founder further proposed the strengthening of community vigilance groups around school premises, insisting that security around schools cannot be left solely to government security agencies.
He encouraged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious movements and suspected attempts to disrupt schooling to the administration and security authorities.
«“Report any suspicious moves and suspected cases of school disruption,” he urged.»
According to him, communities must not remain passive when the education of their children is threatened.
«“We cannot continue suffering and depriving our youths of education while others are sending their children,” he said.»
Strong Condemnation of School Boycott Campaigns
Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin also condemned the circulation of messages encouraging parents and students to boycott school.
He warned that continued disruption of education would have devastating consequences for an entire generation, particularly at a time when young people require education and skills to compete for opportunities in an increasingly challenging world.
He therefore called on parents, traditional rulers, teachers, youth leaders, religious authorities and the administration to unite behind the education of children.
Drugs, Sachet Whisky and Sexual Promiscuity Under Fire
The Foundation founder equally raised concerns over the growing presence of harmful substances and risky social practices around schools.
He joined his voice to that of the Fon of Mbengwi in condemning the sale of hard drugs and sachet whisky to young people, particularly in and around school environments.
He also expressed concern over sexual promiscuity among young people, calling for stronger parental guidance and community action to protect children from practices capable of destroying their education, health and future prospects.
He urged the administration and security services to intensify efforts to keep schools and their surroundings safe.
“Making Mbengwi Safe Is Our Joint Responsibility”
For Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, the responsibility for creating a peaceful and secure Mbengwi cannot rest on government alone.
He called for a partnership involving traditional authorities, parents, schools, youth organisations, religious bodies, community associations, the administration and security forces.
«“We should all help the administration and security officers to make Mbengwi safe for meaningful development and for our children to go to school. It is our joint responsibility,” he said.»
Education at the Centre of Community Development
The intervention by the Ndangoh Tah Calvin Foundation comes as part of its continued focus on supporting young people and vulnerable members of the Mbengwi community.
By reaching more than 2,000 school-going youths, the Foundation has once again placed education at the centre of its community development agenda.
The message from the Mbengwi Palace was unequivocal: children must be in school, schools must be protected, harmful substances must be kept away from children, and the entire community must stand together to safeguard the future of its youth.
For Ntumfon Barrister Ndangoh Tah Calvin, investing in the education and security of children today is ultimately an investment in the future of Mbengwi.
2,000+ Mbengwi Students Receive Lifeline from Ndangoh Tah Calvin Foundation
