Dr Naomi Asabre Frimpong, Astronomer at the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute, has urged students to learn and acquire soft skills such as public speaking and leadership skills while in school.
She said they could do that by joining clubs in schools, building healthy relationships with their peers, and starting projects that aligned with their interests and passions.
She said that would help equip them with relevant skills and capacities for the future and make them better students while in school.
Dr Frimpong gave the advice during an interaction with female students from 16 schools within the Korle Klottey Municipality to commemorate this year’s International Girls Day.
She said being a student was the best period of one’s life to learn and become better, adding that, they should not let their present circumstances stopped them from achieving their dreams.
Dr Frimpong encouraged the students to set realistic goals and aspirations for themselves and strive hard to achieve them.
“I urge you all to explore all the good things you can learn from and don’t be afraid to make mistakes while trying. In fact, making mistakes should not stop you from learning. It is through the mistakes you make that you become better,” she added.
Madam Louisa Ama Sosu, Senior Manger of Network Performance and Quality Assurance, MTN Ghana, advised the girls to refrain from sharing sensitive personal information and materials on social media.
She said being cautious in online interactions would help them to protect their privacy, avoid risks, and not miss valuable opportunities due to inappropriate posts.
Mrs Sosu noted that some social media users engaged in cyberbullying, which could expose girls to online harassment, verbal abuse, and public shaming.
She urged the students to report any instances of online harassment to their parents or school authorities to avoid unwarranted bullying and threats.
Madam Patricia Abotsi, Head of Girls Education Unit, Korle Klottey Municipal Education Directorate, said the event was to empower the girls to pursue their dreams and goals for a better future.
The United Nations observes October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to highlight girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face globally.
This Day aims to draw attention to the challenges girls encounter and to promote their empowerment and the realisation of their human rights.
The theme for this year is, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” and focuses on empowering girls, amplifying their voices, and advocating for strategies and policies that ensure a better future for them.
GNA