By Ewoenam Kpodo
Dzita (VR), Aug. 31, GNA – Dzita Development Association (DDA), a community-based organisation focusing on the development needs of the local people, has commissioned a newly renovated seven-unit classroom block for Dzita D.A. Basic School.
The face-lift involved reroofing, screeding, fixing of windows and doors, and painting, which came with a two-unit water closet toilet facility at a total cost of GH292,534.00.
Dr David Esinu Yao Normanyo, the Executive Secretary of DDA and Assembly member for Dzita Electoral Area in the Anloga District, said the event was inspired by the need to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment for the community to address the barrier to the pursuit of quality education in the area.
He said the Association embarked on a fundraising, which led them to reach out to friends and family and held events that brought the community together resulting in the renovated classroom block, a demonstration of their unwavering commitment to the education of the future leaders of Dzita.
Dr Normanyo thanked all the stakeholders for contributing to the project, deemed the fruit of a collective labour and called for more of such support to guarantee the well-being of children and the future of the community.
He urged the school authorities to maintain the block to serve the purpose for which it was renovated.
Mr Joseph Yevu Agbenyega, the Chairman, DDA, said the renovated classroom block was just the beginning of more development projects to come as the Association “has a vision for the future of our community, a vision that goes beyond this renovated classroom and encompasses the overall development of Dzita.”
He said the development plan included key initiatives like securing a permanent place for the Community-Based Health Planning and Services, developing access roads, expanding the teacher’s bungalow and rejuvenating Dzita Market to benefit all.
Mr Agbenyega assured that they would continue to work to provide the children with the best possible educational environment and a thriving community for all.
“Together, let us continue to build a brighter future for Dzita, a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” he said
Mr Dominic Dzanado, Anloga District Director of Education, expressed his admiration saying, such self-help projects by individuals, old students and communities could contribute tremendously to education delivery in the district.
He called for further support by way of parents providing learning materials for their wards and providing the necessary help to teachers to aid education delivery in the community.
Mr Seth Yormewu, District Chief Executive of Anloga, through his representative, Mr Obed Dzamboe-Attey, congratulated the Association and the chiefs for their contribution towards the project.
“May this classroom block stand as a symbol of our collective effort and a reminder of the incredible things we can accomplish when we work together,” he said.
Mr Johnson Bessah Tettey, Head teacher of the school, was happy the dilapidated structure had been renovated and that it would provide relief to both pupils and teachers of the 93-year-old school and impact greatly on enrolment and academic performance.
Ms Millicent Ocloo, a junior high school form two pupil in an interview with Ghana News Agency exclaimed, “It’s a good feeling and I can’t wait for school to reopen.”
Madam Atsufui Hormeku, a resident, said as a parent, “I’m a happy person because the old building was impeding teaching and learning in the school.”
Madam Sandra Seyram Kpedor, organising Secretary, DDA hoped that in the shortest possible time, other buildings in the school including the Kindergarten block would be renovated to provide a befitting learning environment for the children.
The ceremony which had in attendance dignitaries including Mr Richard Kwami Sefe, Member of Parliament for Anlo and Mr Dougal Joshua Croudace, Co-Director of Dream Big Ghana, a non-governmental organisation, was chaired by Togbi Hatsu III, a Chief of Dzita.
GNA