By Philip Tengzu,
Jirapa (UW/R), Oct. 22, GNA – The Franciscans Old Girls Association (FOGA) has reaffirmed its commitment to support its alma mater, the St. Francis of Assisi Girls’ Senior High School in Jirapa, to address pressing challenges of the scho
The Association said it remained committed to mobilising financial resources, professional expertise and strategic partnerships to improve teaching and learning conditions at its alma mater.
Madam Amina Abugdanpoka Kaguah, President of FOGA, said this in Jirapa at the weekend during the climax of the FOGA Homecoming and Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the school under the theme: “Sixty-Seven Years of Nurturing Leaders and Inspiring Excellence: Time to Retrace our Steps”.
The event, spearheaded by FOGA, brought together members from all walks of life to, among other things, interact, share memories, inspire the students and strategise for the development of the school.
Activities marking the Homecoming included donations to the children’s home in Jirapa, a mentorship programme for students and the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), among others.
The climax witnessed the spectacular display of the cultural dances of students from different ethnic groups, including the Frafra, Birifor, Nandom and Jirapa people; heart-touching poetry recitals; and a display by the school’s police cadet to the admiration of the gathering.
Madam Kaguah appealed for the collective efforts of members, well-wishers, charitable organisations and individuals, corporate institutions, and the government to address the school’s infrastructural challenges.
“Our affection for this school cannot exist only in memories; it must translate into action”, she said, and emphasised the need for old students to demonstrate their commitment through practical contributions to its development.
The St. Francis of Assisi Girls’ SHS holds a special place in the history of education in northern Ghana, being the first girls’ senior secondary school in the area but grappling with daunting infrastructure challenges.
Madam Kaguah cited insufficient dormitories as a major challenge, resulting in overcrowding and compelling some students to sleep on floors.
She indicated that the Homecoming formed part of a broader fundraising effort to mobilise support for the school’s development.
The FOGA President said the association had a mentorship programme for the students to enable them to appreciate the available opportunities and navigate the challenges to succeed.
Madam Kaguah urged the students to take their education seriously and take advantage of the sacrifices made by their parents, guardians, teachers, school staff and old students to develop themselves.
Recounting the challenges of the school, Madam Anastasia Kaarawo, Headmistress of the school, said the school, with a population of 1,341 students, was grappling with classroom space, insufficient furniture and limited sanitation facilities, among others.
She said the increasing student population had placed considerable pressure on existing facilities, saying, “Every available space, like the box room and the laundries, has been converted into dormitories. But we are still in a very dire situation.”
Madam Kaarawo lamented that some first-year students were compelled to sit on benches for teaching and learning due to inadequate furniture.
She said despite the challenges, the school recorded an 88 per cent performance in the 2025 WASSCE, with the best aggregate being grade eight, while three students obtained aggregates between eight and ten.
In all, 80 students and teachers received awards in various categories, with Miss Abassisa Angelina and Mr Charles Baniyeni receiving the overall best student and staff awards, respectively.
The awards were sponsored by several individuals and organisations, including Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, an old student and special aide to President John Mahama, and the Dr. Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Foundation.
GNA
Edited by Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Reporter’s Email: [email protected]