Fifty Six students from Akropong Akuapim in the Eastern Region have benefitted from this years edition of the United Way Ghana-a not-for-profit organization sponsorship package which will see them through Junior High School education. The yearly package is funded from a grant offered by an American couple, Richard and Laurie Riedman through United Ways donor designated funds program. The students were selected from five schools in the Akropong Akuapim Municipality namely; Akropong L/A, Akropong Methodist Primary & JHS, Akropong Anglican, Akropong Salem Presby JHS, and Okuapeman Primary & JHS schools. The scholarship program, which was started in 2006 with just 39 beneficiaries, is designed to supplement the government’s free basic education and school feeding programs. A total of 234 young scholars have so far benefitted from the programme. "With the simple subsidy of uniforms, shoes, exercise and note books, pens and pencils, and a book bag the UWG scholarship program ensures that for one more year each of these children can stay in school," the Executive Director of United Way Ghana, Karen S. Sai said. Presenting the sponsorship package to the brilliant but needy students Karen S. Sai, said her outfit will increase the number of beneficiaries in the coming years. “We aim to increase the number of students we serve yearly and to also extend this program to other communities in Ghana who have similar needs, “she said. According to her, over 20 of the first group of 39 beneficiaries have successfully graduated from Junior High School. The students are selected based on need and merit she said. In addition to the sponsorship package, United Way Ghana also funds selected projects from NGOs whose activities fall under the UWG's four themes: Children and Youth: Ensuring Ghana’s future; The Girl, the Woman, and the Mother: Our key to community growth; Care for the Handicapped and Hope for the Elderly: The community responds; Community cares: HIV and AIDS. Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana