The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, has encouraged pupils of St Mary’s Basic and Junior High School at Korle Gonno in Accra to be confident and not deterred by societal stereotypes against girls. 

She shared the encouraging message during a visit to the school on Thursday, November 20, 2025, when she presented essential learning materials to support the pupils. Mrs Mahama emphasised the importance of education and self-belief for girls. 

"Do not be intimidated because you are girls. Be confident in your abilities," she said, noting that her visit was not only in her capacity as first lady and founder of the Lordina Foundation but also as an ambassador for the Educating Linda Programme.

The Educating Linda Programme is an initiative of the Merck Foundation that supports girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay in school and pursue their dreams. 

“This programme is very close to my heart as a woman from a humble background. Education is a transformative tool that changes individuals, families, communities, and nations,” she added.

Through a partnership with the Merck Foundation, 20 exceptional girls from the St Mary’s R/C Girls Basic School have been awarded scholarships by the Lordina Foundation to pursue their education.

The first lady presented various school supplies, including exercise books, water bottles, pencil holders, rulers, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, pens, and coloured pencils to enhance their learning experience. 

Headmistress of the school, Patience Addy, thanked the Merck and Lordina Foundations for their support, noting that the scholarships had motivated the girls to excel academically. 

She mentioned that the presence and encouragement of the first lady would significantly boost their confidence and motivate them to aim higher.

The Circuit Supervisor from the Greater Accra Metro Education Office, Martha Breh, who accompanied the delegation, praised the generous donation and remarked that the initiative would inspire the girls to pursue their dreams with resolve.

Ms Emelia Mensah, a scholarship beneficiary, expressed profound gratitude for the support. She shared that the scholarship relieved her of the financial burden of school supplies, enabling her to focus fully on her studies.