The schoolchildren answered questions on the environment with specific reference to mining, mathematics, science and English language. After a gruelling session of the event with the theme: "Socializing with our 5chools through learn and play" which lasted for about two hours. New Birem Holy Child JSS claimed the ultimate prize and its representatives, Master Richard Boateng, Master Prosper Appiah Kubi and Master Tettey Bismarck were given school bags filled with educational materials all provided by Newmont. The school was also given five T-shirts and a gift voucher of GH¢600 donated by Global Institute of Business and Information and Communication Technology (lCT) Studies to fund the training of the contestants in CT as well as a trophy, certificate of distinction and a 21-inch television set. Afosu Roman Catholic JSS took the second place and the contestants, Master Samuel Ofosu, Miss Ernestina Nartey and Master Koranteng Frempong also had school bags stocked with educational materials. The school also got five T-shirts and GH¢600 donated by Global Institute of Business and ICT Studies to sponsor the training of the school's contesting team in ICT.
New Birem JHS 'A' claimed the third position and their three contestants Master Bright Asare, Miss Paulina Adjetey and Master Gabriele Asare had files filled with educational materials while their school had a certificate. Afosu Local Authority JHS which secured the fourth position had a certificate and its representatives, Master Evans Somuah, Master Isaac Awuni and Miss Jennifer Boateng had files filled with educational materials. Pupils of all the 16 participating schools were also presented with exercise books and pens while the teachers who led them had T' shirts.
The General Manager of Newmont Akyem Project, Dr. Helen MacDonald who addressed the contestants, said the event formed part of the company’s school engagement programme which started in2005. Dr Macdonald said the programme which was to encourage the pupils and students to take to mining as a career also provided a better understanding of the company's activities in the communities in the operational areas particularly in respect of environmental control measures instituted by Newmont.
She expressed the company's appreciation to the heads of the schools which participated in the competition and the Birim North District Directorate of Education for providing technical support.
The District Director of Education, Mr. Christian Eric Attakorah deplored the poor performance of the contestants in mathematics.
He said in view of the situation heads, of all junior high schools in the district would have to go for a special course on methodology in mathematic in order to train teachers they supervise.
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