The Parents Teachers Association of Karantaba Upper Basic School in Sami District of the CRR, on June 13, 2007 held their annual general meeting at the school grounds.

The topics discussed included, enrollment and retention, performance, PTA participation in school management and students control at home by parents or guardians in order for them to study.

Addressing the  meeting, the Regional Director of Region 5, Baboucarr Suwareh spoke at length about the importance of education, particularly, that of the  girl child.  He said girls are mainly enrolled in Lower Basic Schools, but many of them drop-out due to early marriage and teenage pregnancy in that area so he called on the PTA to play their role in order to curb the situation.

 Mr. Suwareh stressed the need for parents and guardians to control their children at home for them to study in order to improve in their academic performance.

The principal of the school, Bakary Sambou, in his report said retention of girls in the school is a problem due to early marriage.  He said that the school has a total enrolment of 197 students but academic excellence has been a problem due to lack of parental care at home and lack of accommodation.

He then assured the committee that they will embark on a campaign in the area for more enrollment and retention in schools.

The Chief of Sami District, Alhagie Morro Jawla, called on parents to allow their children especially girls to continue with their education to higher levels.  He said the importance of girls’ education cannot be overemphasised, noting that it contributes to economic growth and improves family health. 

He then urged the community to help each other in the accommodation of students  for continuation of their education.