Zanlerigu: The Nongzoya Foundation, a Norway-based non-profit organisation, has made a significant contribution to the Zanlerigu Cluster of Schools in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. The donation, which aims to enhance teaching and learning, includes stationery and sports materials.
According to Ghana News Agency, this year's donation marks the 19th consecutive year of such support by the foundation. The donation ceremony in Zanlerigu gathered officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES), community leaders, parents, teachers, students, and media representatives.
The Zanlerigu Kindergarten received an assortment of educational materials, including 400 exercise books, school uniforms, and other essential items. The primary school was supplied with 1,000 exercise books, school uniforms, and a sound system, among other educational tools. The Junior High School (JHS) benefited from exercise books, French textbooks, a television set, and sports equipment.
Additional schools within the Zanlerigu-Dagliga Electoral Area also received donations. The Gundork JHS was provided with footballs and jerseys to promote physical education. Dagliga JHS received textbooks to support academic activities. The Gani Asonge Kindergarten and Primary School received basic writing materials and educational maps.
Mr David Assibi Nagbila, representing the foundation's CEO Ms Marienne Adonaba, highlighted the foundation's commitment to supporting rural education despite global economic challenges impacting procurement efforts. He acknowledged the adverse effects of currency fluctuations but emphasized the importance of continuing their support.
Mr Nagbila expressed concern about the persistent poor performance of Zanlerigu JHS students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). He urged students to prioritize their studies over distractions such as mobile phones.
Co-founder Mr Abu Dognab encouraged parents to actively participate in their children's education by ensuring discipline and supervision at home. He stressed that teachers alone could not improve academic performance.
Assembly Member Mr Isaac Wulug pointed to illegal mining activities as a distraction for students, contributing to poor academic results. He also criticized government policies on corporal punishment for affecting school discipline.
Mr Harry Ayoka from the Nabdam Education Directorate praised the foundation for its reliable support, while Mr Dominic Zure, Chairman of the Zanlerigu-Dagliga Development Committee, urged collective efforts to enhance academic outcomes.