Students and staff of Elon University in the United States of America on Monday donated 3,500 US dollars to the chiefs and people of Sokode-Etoe, near Ho, to help complete the community's Junior High School (JHS) block. The donation will also support the construction of a kindergarten and other self-help projects in the community. The initiative came as a result of a sister-city-like relationship between the community and the University through the efforts of Captain (Rtd.) George Nfodjo, Member of Parliament for Ho Central. Professor Bernard Curry, a lecturer at the University, who presented the money with some teaching, learning and sporting materials on behalf of the students and staff of the University, said the gesture was to give the opportunity to underprivileged children in the community to develop their God-given talents to the full. He underscored the importance of education and pledged the willingness of the University to continuously support the community to improve educational standards. Professor Curry urged the youth in the community to take advantage of government's intervention in the educational sector to enhance their socio-economic status. Professor Brian Digre, also a lecturer and Leader of the group, who was enstooled as a development chief under the stool name Togbe Darke I, expressed gratitude to the people for hosting the group and helping them to learn about the community's social life. He was elated about the community's response to communal work and progress made in many self-help projects and announced that approval had been given for a 6,000 US dollar Heifer Project to commence in the community. Professor Digre said the project would offer employment to the youth, empower women and educate the community on environmental hygiene while also improving their general lifestyle. Captain (Rtd.) Nfodjo commended the donors and urged the community to complement their efforts for the accelerated development of the area. Togbe Fia Koku III, Paramount Chief of Sokode Traditional Area expressed appreciation for the support and said the items donated would be put to good use for the growth of the area.Source: GNA