Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, the Awadada (war commander) of the Anlo State, has commended the Duamenefa Foundation for its efforts in promoting education through the Costheta Educational Support Fund.
He made the commendation at Woe-Aklorbordzi, along the Deku Road opposite the Roman Catholic Church at the Duamenefa Mission House, during the Costheta Educational Support Fund ceremony.
Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, who served as chairman of the ceremony, made the recommendation in his closing remarks. He used the opportunity to thank the management of the Costheta Educational Support Fund as well as the Duamenefa Foundation for their continuous efforts in pushing education forward.
He noted that what makes the initiative very remarkable is that support is not limited to selected schools, but rather all schools whose students qualify are given equal opportunity to benefit. He praised this inclusive approach, describing it as fair and impactful in promoting education across communities.
Touching on concerns raised in earlier speeches by some chiefs about students’ lack of seriousness in learning, which they attributed mainly to parents, Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II stated that responsibility should not rest solely on parents but also on the students themselves.
He explained that the common assumption that once a person turns 18 years they are fully grown to do whatever they like is not entirely correct. Narrating his personal experience, he stated that even if his child at 18 years chooses to engage in misconduct, he would take disciplinary action, as such measures often help young people realize the importance of discipline and responsibility. According to him, experiencing consequences helps individuals understand the right path and make positive changes.
He further advised parents not to give up on their children even when they misbehave, stressing that discipline is necessary because any community that fails to uphold rules and regulations risks collapse.
Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II also described the Costheta Educational Support Fund as a very good initiative but made a submission regarding the just-ended 6th edition of the programme. He observed that the number of representatives attending on behalf of beneficiaries was too many and suggested that in the next, the 7th edition, the arrangement should be reviewed.
He recommended that beneficiaries themselves, especially students, should be present at future ceremonies so they can personally appreciate the value of the initiative. He further suggested that management of the Costheta Educational Support Fund and the Duamenefa Foundation should, if possible, engage tertiary-level beneficiaries directly to ensure their participation and awareness.
He concluded by urging the Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, to always provide counselling to children who are misbehaving in order to guide them onto the right path. He also expressed appreciation to him for the initiative and commended Dr. Kotei David Nutakor for his vital support in making the programme a success.
He further called on stakeholders in education within the Anlo State and beyond to strengthen collaboration with community-based organizations in addressing challenges such as school dropouts, teenage indiscipline, and lack of mentorship, which he noted continue to affect academic performance in many communities.
He also highlighted the growing need for mentorship programmes in schools, stressing that academic support alone is not enough without moral guidance and career direction. According to him, structured mentorship would help students make informed decisions about their future and reduce cases of youthful misbehavior.
Additionally, he appealed to traditional leaders and opinion leaders to take a more active role in supporting education initiatives in their communities. He emphasized that when chiefs and elders actively participate in educational development, it strengthens discipline, motivates learners, and improves overall community development outcomes.
The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, community members, students, and stakeholders who witnessed the activities of the Costheta Educational Support Fund initiative.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 Fm,Dzodze