Twenty-five needy students in the Central Region have received educational support from ASA Savings and Loans Limited to ease the financial burden of their families and promote access to quality education.
Each of the beneficiaries, drawn from junior high schools, senior high schools and tertiary institutions, received GH¢1,000 to cover educational expenses such as books, accommodation and other essentials.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Sustainability Manager of ASA Savings and Loans, Richard Nartey, explained that the initiative was born out of the company’s commitment to support the communities they serve.
He observed that many of ASA’s clients accessed loans primarily for business purposes but often diverted part of those funds to pay for their children’s education.
“We believe that by stepping in to support parents in this way, we are not only reducing their burden but also giving their children the opportunity to pursue education without interruption,” he said.
Mr Nartey further noted that the intervention formed part of ASA’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda and contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 10, which targets reducing inequalities.
“By supporting children from low-income families, we are helping to create a level playing field, ensuring they can compete with their peers who would have more resources,” he stressed.
Importance
The Deputy Director in charge of services and monitoring at the Agona West Municipal Assembly, Samuel Kwesi Mensah, underscored the importance of the gesture, noting that education remained crucial for national development.
While acknowledging government policies such as the Free SHS and support for tertiary education, he highlighted that there were additional costs families still faced.
“Book supplies and other learning materials are costly, and this support from ASA will go a long way to lessen the burden on parents.
“Sometimes, people are tempted to divert such support into unproductive areas like funeral clothing or social events.
I want to urge parents to ensure that this money serves its purpose.
“Education is the greatest investment because, unlike a house or car that may be destroyed, no one can take knowledge away from you,” he said.
Beneficiaries
Sharing stories about how the support would impact their education, a second-year student of the University of Education, Winneba, studying Fashion, Justina Thompson, explained that she had long been sharing a laptop with her sister for school projects, which created frequent difficulties.
“Now I can buy my own laptop. This will make my work easier, and I am very grateful to ASA for this help,” she said.
A JHS Three student at Salvation Army School in Swedru, Solomon Sam, said, “I will use part of the money to buy the books I need and keep the rest for my SHS education,” he said.
A parent, Faustina Amoah, from Mankessim, said the cost of textbooks has been a major burden despite the Free SHS policy.
“We sometimes struggle to provide the needed learning materials. This money will reduce our worries and help us support our children better,” she said.
