A 63-year-old Rita Offen, a mother of five and a pupil of Obuasi Independent JHS “A”, also a candidate of this year’s BECE was the center of attraction when Obuasi East District Chief Executive (DCE) Madam Faustina Ammisah toured centers hosting the 2021 Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) in her District on November 17, 2021.
wrinkle stricken Mrs.Rita Offen, clad in her ‘Tea and Bread’ uniform with an adolescent-like spectacle looking sixteen, detailing to the DCE what informed her choice of pursuing education even at her old age said, the cheating she’s endured in her petty trading career was enough to compel her to seek formal education albeit her children being graduates. Although she became a laughing stock from the beginning, her determination broke all odds when she started in primary four(4) at the age of 58.
“The most important thing for me in pursuing formal education was to be able to read my Bible and write and I can do now, I’m happy,” she said
She admonished her fellow women to pursue education irrespective of their age, to her female mates, she advised that they become wary of young men who will lure them and get them pregnant, but to focus on their education, delayed gratification she said is the best for a bright future.
