By Benjamin A. Commey
Accra, Dec. 13, GNA — Madam Innocentia Ama Afatsawoo, the Headmistress of Sowa Din Memorial 1 Primary School, at Ashale Botwe, in the Adentan municipality, has made a passionate appeal for immediate renovation of one of the school’s oldest classroom blocks, which she says has become unsafe and unconducive for academic work.
According to the Headmistress, the block in question housed more than 300 pupils across streams 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B, disclosing that the deteriorating structure required constant repairs to make it usable.
A close observation by the Ghana News Agency on the said classroom block revealed two major cracks, which ran from top to down, on one side of the building.
“There are cracks in the walls, the roofs leak seriously, and every academic year we have to do renovations. The nature of the roofing doesn’t allow good ventilation, making it very difficult for learners and teachers,” she explained.
The Headmistress made the appeal when the school took delivery of about 700 reading materials donated by Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) on Friday.
Beyond the urgent need for block refurbishment, Madam Afatsawoo highlighted additional concerns such as inadequate desks and limited dining space for pupils.
She explained that due to limited classroom space, it was compelled to deny many children admission, urging authorities, philanthropists and non governmental organisations to support the school with more facilities to ensure no child was denied access to education.
“We have a canteen but it’s not big. During break time, learners are seen standing or sitting on corridors and flower beds to eat. Garden chairs or a bigger canteen would help,” she added.
She, therefore, expressed gratitude to CBG for selecting the school among five in the area, indicating that the gesture would significantly impact teaching and learning.
She also noted that the donation of the reading materials came at a crucial time, as the school’s population of nearly 750 learners had made access to books a challenge.
“Looking at the population of almost 750 learners, the books we had were not enough, so we are grateful for this support,” she said.
“I am privileged to express my heartfelt gratitude to CBG for choosing our school… What you have done is going to have a lasting impact on the lives of our dear learners.”
Ms. Ami Korkor Adenu, Regional Manager of CBG, who made the donation on behalf of the bank, said the institution was committed to contributing to the educational development of Ghanaian children through reading.
“We believe in children and so this year, as part of our project to society, we decided that we’ll be giving books to selected schools in the country,” she said.
“Through books, we are offered a world of information and knowledge… it helps shape the future of learners.”
While reaffirming the bank’s commitment to supporting deprived schools, Ms. Adenu hinted that moving forward, the bank would explore additional partnerships with schools and educational institutions to help develop the human resource of the country.
“It is our hope that in the years ahead we will not just be giving books to our children but also working with institutions in other ways… to ensure that our learners become world-class,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade