Kave: Pencils of Promise, in collaboration with Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, has initiated the construction of a four-unit kindergarten block with ancillary facilities for Kave MA School in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region. The project aims to enhance early childhood education infrastructure in the area by providing modern classrooms, teachers' office, storeroom, washrooms, and a 10,000-litre poly tank for water storage on the school compound.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Freeman Gobah, the Country Director of Pencils of Promise, emphasized the organization's commitment to improving access to quality education by providing safe and conducive learning spaces. Mr Gobah highlighted that education is key to unlocking opportunities and empowering children to become productive members of society. He stressed that Pencils of Promise is a non-governmental and non-partisan organization focused on supporting education regardless of the political administration in power.
Mr Gobah revealed that over the past 13 years, the organization has constructed approximately 209 schools across Ghana and continues to expand its interventions in deprived communities. In Ketu North alone, Pencils of Promise has completed more than 15 school projects in communities such as Gbegbekope, Kuli, Ehi-Horme, Klenormadi, Tadzewu, Adzortsi, Zukpe, and Kporkuve. The new facility at Kave is expected to ease congestion, reduce the number of pupils per classroom, and improve teaching and learning outcomes. The block will feature four classrooms, office space for teachers, a storeroom, six toilet facilities, urinals, and a rainwater harvesting system.
Mr Gobah noted that Pencils of Promise would finance 80% of the project cost, with the remaining 20% supported by the beneficiary community through labor and local contributions. Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the MP for the area, stated that the project is part of efforts to improve access to quality education and create a conducive learning environment for children in underserved communities. He stressed the importance of prioritizing early childhood education, as kindergarten forms the foundation of learning.
Mr Agbana highlighted that Kave has operated for years without a proper kindergarten block, forcing young pupils to study in overcrowded and unconducive spaces. He disclosed that while Pencils of Promise is providing the bulk of the funding, the community is expected to contribute through communal labor and provision of local materials. He personally committed to covering the estimated GHS125,000 cost of gravel and sand to ensure the project's immediate commencement. He urged local leaders to ensure proper supervision and accountability throughout the project's execution.
Mr Prince Agbenya, the Public Relations Officer of the Ketu North Education Directorate, praised the project as a significant boost to education delivery in the municipality. He noted that the facility would reduce congestion, improve teacher effectiveness, and create a more conducive learning environment for young learners. Mr Agbenya commended Pencils of Promise and the MP for their partnership and support, highlighting the project's demonstration of collaboration and shared commitment in the education sector. He urged contractors and stakeholders to ensure quality delivery and timely completion.
Mr Daniel Kofi Gabla, Headmaster of Kave MA Primary School, noted that the school, established in 1961, currently enrolls 519 pupils from kindergarten to Primary Six. Kindergarten pupils have historically studied under challenging conditions, often in overcrowded classrooms. The new kindergarten block is anticipated to significantly improve learning conditions for the school's youngest learners. Mr Gabla expressed appreciation to Pencils of Promise, the MP, the Municipal Assembly, and the chiefs for supporting the project and pledged the school's commitment to its maintenance upon completion.
The ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, education officials, assembly members, parents, and residents of Kave-Awlikope, who pledged their support for the successful execution of the project.