By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Dodo-Pepesu (O/R), Mar 5, GNA – Pencils of Promise, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has inaugurated a two-unit classroom block, with an office and store, as well as sanitation facilities for the Dodo-Pepesu D/A Primary School.
Pencils of Promise also provided the school with 18 kindergarten (KG) tables, 46 chairs, 40 desks and teachers’ table and chairs.
The edifice is designed to house the KG pupils, who previously studied under a dilapidated structure.
Inaugurating the project at Dodo-Pepesu in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region, Mr Anthony Quashigah, the Projects Manager of Pencils of Promise (PoP), stated that the NGO began operations globally in 2008 and started its activities in Ghana in 2012.
He mentioned that they operated in Oti, Volta, and Eastern Regions.
He explained that their initiatives focused on educational infrastructure, the supply of teaching and learning materials, teacher support, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects.
Mr. Quashigah noted that globally, 606 projects have been commissioned by the Pencils of Promise and that 206 of these projects were completed in Ghana.
He added that as of March 4, 2025, the Kadjebi District has six completed projects from Pencils of Promise.
The Projects Manager stated that the NGO contributes 80 per cent of the project cost, while the beneficiary community provides 20 per cent.
He said that KG is a crucial steppingstone in a child’s educational journey; that is why they are interested in providing children with school infrastructure, social, emotional, and cognitive skills necessary for academic and personal growth.
Mr. Quashigah called on the management of the school to maintain the building to prolong its lifespan.
Mr. Seth Seyram Deh, Kadjebi District Director of Education, commended the community members for their invaluable support, which resulted in the facility that would serve over 150 learners, providing them with a modern and conducive environment that fosters growth, curiosity, and love for learning.
He said the building is a beacon of hope for the future, as it would ensure that the learners have a safe and nurturing space to embark on their educational journeys, setting the stage for lifelong learning and success.
Nana Saafo Attara II, the Chief of Dodo-Pepesu, commended PoP for the project and that this project was one that they have been dreaming of for a long ago.
He also commended the late Rashid Bawa, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, who provided the 20 per cent counterpart funding for the project.
Mr. Eric Sekyi, the Headteacher of the school, appealed to the Ghana Education Service to post at least two to the school, as they lacked instructors.
He also appealed for fencing at the school for security reasons.
GNA