Under this initiative, about 150 volunteer teachers in the communities have been engaged to carry out supplementary learning for children at home, and also sensitised parents on the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety protocols.

The initiative is a modification of the Gender Responsive Education and Transformation (GREAT) project being implemented by Right To Play, a child-centred international NGO, with support from Global Affairs Canada.

The ultimate aim of the programme is to deliver age-appropriate home-based supplementary learning, health and psychosocial support to children in a safe environment.

Right To Play, therefore, presented personal protective equipment (PPE) and educational materials to the Tolon, Kumbungu and Savelugu Directorates of Education for onward distribution to the volunteer teachers and pupils to keep them and their parents safe during the supplemental learning period.

The PPE and educational materials valued at GHc150, 000.00, included 8,000 items such as face masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, soap, story books, posters on COVID-19, pens and pencils among others.

Mr Evans Akannue Atim, Northern Programme Team Lead, Right To Play, who handed over the items to authorities of the Tolon, Kumbungu and Savelugu Directorates of Education in Tamale, said the Supplemental Learning, Health and Psychosocial Support to Children and Parents initiative was to complement government's efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Atim said "This initiative was borne out of a palpable need to bridge the digital divide for the majority of families, who do not have smart phones or television sets and are unable to benefit from the laudable online and television learning initiative by the government."

He, however, commended the government "For all the wonderful initiatives such as online learning platforms and television learning series on a number of digital and free-to-air channels.

Indeed, initiatives such as these will go a long way to promote the continuous learning for our dear ones, who are currently out of school."

Hajia Ayishetu Seidu, Savelugu Municipal Chief Executive commended Right To Play for its continued support for quality education for children in the country, and urged teachers to continue to do their best to ensure improved education outcome.

Mr Mohammed Sulley, Tolon District Director of Education, who spoke on behalf of his colleague Directors of Education from the beneficiary assemblies, expressed appreciation to Right To Play for the support, and urged other organisations to emulate its gesture to help keep pupils active during this COVID-19 period.