This intervention became necessary due to the dilapidated and unsafe condition of the old school
Engage Now Africa, an international charitable organisation, in collaboration with ASEA Advancing Life Foundation, has commissioned a newly constructed primary school in Chiana, located in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
The newly built facility features six classrooms, a library, a headteacher’s office, and a staff common room.
This intervention became necessary due to the dilapidated and unsafe condition of the old school structure, which often forced students to flee for safety whenever there was the threat of rain.
The Chairperson of the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation, Kimmarie Larsen, noted that the organisation was called upon by the community to help provide a safe learning environment for their children when they previously came to install a borehole for them.
She explained that after discussions with their board and foundation, they agreed that it was crucial for the children to have the opportunity to receive quality education and therefore moved in to offer their support.
She emphasised their belief that education is key to unlocking opportunities, and that educated children will become the future leaders of their communities.
The Chairperson of Engage Now Africa, Lynette Gay, also expressed her organization’s commitment to finding practical ways to help children in the community gain access to education.
She stated that it is their desire to give the children a future where they can actively contribute to making Ghana a better place.
Madam Gay said it was heartwarming to see the joy in the eyes of mothers whose children now have a safe place to learn.
She urged community leaders to encourage both boys and girls to attend school consistently and to actively participate in community work, which she believes will help instill a sense of responsibility and unity among them.
She also stressed the importance of supporting girls to remain in school, even during menstruation, noting that it should not be a barrier to their education.
“They need to find ways to stay in school. Menstruation is a normal part of life,” she emphasised.
The Youth Leader of the community, Mr. Charles Bugani, explained that enrollment in the school had declined significantly due to the poor state of the old building.
He said the situation caught the attention of their benefactors, who then decided to intervene.
Bugani noted that the community had initially expected another three-classroom block to replace the old one, but to their surprise, the benefactors went beyond expectations and provided a six-classroom block.
“We are forever grateful for what they have done for us. We will ensure the school is put to good use. We also assure them that we will hold the teachers accountable to deliver quality education,” he said.
He added that many parents have now begun expressing interest in enrolling their children at the school due to its impressive transformation.
“A good number of people have already contacted us to register their wards. Initially, there was no interest because, whenever it threatened to rain, the children would have to run home. But now, with this beautiful facility, they won’t even think of leaving when it rains,” he added.
The commissioning ceremony brought together traditional leaders, district authorities, and development partners to celebrate this milestone in educational advancement and sustainable community development.
