Girls are getting there but more is needed

Although the overall performance for Primary Six examinations declined from 43.3 percent in 2006 to 26.74 percent in 2007, the recently released results show an improvement in girls’ performance from 37.8 percent in 2006 to 40.6 percent last year while the boys’ performance declined slightly from 62.1 to 59.4 percent according to data from the Ministry of Education. The report also showed that performance (of) amongst the girls at Ordinary Level rose from 15.1 percent in 2006 to 16.4 percent last year while that of boys improved slightly by 0.2 percent up from 28.3 percent in 2006. At senior three levels (Tron Commun) female candidates dominated the first twenty-six positions countrywide which shows that girl-child education has improved in the country.This is a clear manifestation that girl-child education is worth the investing. The African adage that young trees make a forest will certainly come to fulfilment with such academic achievements among the gender that is responsible for nurturing the country’s future leaders. However, this is just the beginning; both parents and the Education Ministry should put hands together to reward the excelling candidates, especially girls from humble backgrounds, so as to boost the morale of the young people. The percentage of students that failed to attain the required pass mark should not be forgotten either, but be helped to appreciate the causes of their failure and work towards perfection.Bravo! To our policy-makers for encouraging girl-child education. Continue the good work.Ends