By Emmanuel Nyatsikor,GNA
Adaklu Kodzobi (V/R), Oct. 29 GNA – The first phase of a modern state of the art library, ICT centre and a science laboratory was Wednesday commissioned for the Adaklu Kodzobi District Assembly Basic School.
It also includes washrooms.
The second phase of the project, when completed, will include a conference room and classrooms.
It was funded by the children of Eric Earle from the United Kingdom who was Education Officer in Ho in the sixties with an amount of 25,000 Pounds Sterling whilst Ghana School Aid, an NGO founded by Eric and his wife Auriol also provided 5,000 Pounds Sterling.
Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu and Mr Jerry Yao Ameko, AdaKlu District Chief Executive supported the project with 20,000 Ghana Cedis and 50 bags of cement respectively.
Togbe Dzegblade IV, Dufia of Adaklu Kodzobi and the community also provided an undisclosed amount of money whilst teachers at the school also donated some bags of cement to support the project.
The project was made possible through the collaboration of the Earle family, Dr Hillary Gbedemah, a friend of the family and Togbe Dzegblade.
Mr James Gunu who commissioned the project, described it as “a laudable gesture by the Earle family that is very touching which will benefit not only the current crop of pupils but also generations after them and Adaklu as a whole and beyond.”
He said education was a shared responsibility and called on like-minded organizations and individuals to come to the aid of schools, especially those in deprived areas of the country.
“Development, progress and legacy are the products of quality education, the Regional Minister stated.
He commended the community for planting trees within and around the school to serve as shelter and windbreak for the school.
Mr Gunu called on the teachers to redouble their efforts to improve the academic performance of the school.
He also urged parents to support their wards’ education to the highest academic level and also advised the pupils to make good use of the facility.
Mr Jerry Yao Ameko, Adaklu District Chief Executive stated that the project was a brilliant testament to what could be achieved through true partnership.
He said the well-equipped reading room, ICT and science laboratory and modern washrooms addressed critical needs of the school system, adding “it will uplift our children and secure their future.”
He continued that the facility would go a long way in supporting quality education with a special emphasis on empowering young girls to stay in school and thrive, enhanced literacy, promoted proper sanitation, and prioritized pupils’ well-being.
The DCE who is also the Dean of Volta MDCEs turning to the teachers, parents and pupils, noted that they should own the facility which was a “symbol of love and investment from local and international friends who believed in their potentials.”
He intimated that the Adaklu District Assembly remained committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to expand educational infrastructure, promote gender equality and foster sustainable development across the district.
Mr Mac-Peter Dumatonu, Adaklu District Director of Education called on the community to cultivate the culture of maintenance and regularly do maintenance works on the building to prolong its lifespan.
He called on teachers and pupils to make maximum use of the facility “so as to improve on teaching and learning.”
Togbe Dzegblade IV, Dufia of Adaklu Kodzobi in an address read for him noted that the project as it stood should not be measured by what it was now but what it has the potential to become in future.
He told the pupils that education was not merely a means of personal advancement but also a powerful tool for serving humanity.
Whilst thanking the Earle family and Ghana School Aid for their generosity, he appealed to philanthropists, development partners, corporate institutions and citizens of the community to contribute meaningfully for the completion of the next stage of the project.
Mr Charles Kugbeadzor Head Teacher of the School appealed to individuals and benevolent organizations to help stock the ICT centre and library with laptops and books.
Present at the function were Dr Gbedemah, some members of the Earle family, Mr Israel Akrobortu, Volta Regional Director, Department of Children and Mr Hayford Amenuvie, Chairman of Adaklu Constituency of the National Democratic Congress.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade