Mafi afleavenu: The Concerned Hearts Foundation Ghana, in partnership with Water Engineers for the Americas and Africa (WEFTA), a U.S.-based NGO, has successfully completed and handed over a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project to the Mafi Afleavenu D.A. Primary School in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, funded by WEFTA and executed by the Concerned Hearts Foundation Ghana with support from the local community, includes rainwater harvesting systems with poly tanks and modern toilet facilities. These installations aim to provide safe drinking water and adequate sanitation for the school's students and staff.
The initiative was carried out under the theme 'Clean Drinking Water and Sanitation for Quality Education in Ghana.' At the handover ceremony, Mr. Emmanuel Kwadzo Amezah, Executive Director of the Concerned Hearts Foundation Ghana, highlighted the project's goal of tackling pressing water and sanitation issues at the school, thereby fostering a healthier environment for education.
Mr. Amezah explained that the school was specifically chosen due to its location in a deprived community where students struggle to access clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. He stressed that the lack of these basic amenities could adversely impact students' health, dignity, attendance, and overall academic performance.
Since its inception in 2023, the Foundation has prioritized initiatives such as promoting girl-child education, aiding vulnerable women, supplying educational materials to underserved areas, and advocating against child marriage. Recognizing the link between basic water and sanitation access and educational quality, the Foundation has expanded to include WASH projects in disadvantaged communities.
Mr. Amezah acknowledged WEFTA's financial support and the local community's involvement, which were crucial to the project's success. The facilities have been officially handed over to the school's headteacher, School Management Committee (SMC), and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for use and upkeep.
He assured that the Foundation would conduct regular monitoring to evaluate the facilities' condition and utilization, providing WEFTA with updates on the project's impact and any arising challenges. Mr. Tim Wellman, Executive Director of WEFTA, expressed satisfaction in partnering with the Concerned Hearts Foundation Ghana, emphasizing the importance of safe water and sanitation for children's health and educational growth.
Community leaders and members appreciated the intervention, noting its significant role in resolving the school's longstanding issues with water and sanitation. They committed to collaborating with school authorities to maintain the facilities, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations.