Agotime-ziope: Pencils of Promise (PoP), a US non-profit organisation that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world, has commissioned a new 6-unit classroom block with auxiliary facilities for Honugo DA Basic School in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, in a move aimed at improving access to quality education and creating a better learning environment for pupils.
According to Ghana Web, the commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 at the forecourt of the school premises, featured a cultural display and poetry recitals by students. The event was attended by the CEO of PoP, Leslie Engle, a team from the USA, the Country Director, Freeman Gobah, the MP for Agotime-Ziope, Charles Akwasi Agbeve, and other dignitaries.
The newly commissioned facility includes a six-unit classroom block, 2 computer labs, an 8-unit toilet facility, a 4-unit urinal block, classroom furniture, electricity, ceiling fans, and polytanks for rainwater harvesting. The project adds to the organisation's long-standing investment in education infrastructure across Ghana.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Freeman Gobah highlighted that the organisation has spent the past 14 years supporting education in underserved communities across the Volta, Eastern, and Oti regions. He mentioned that PoP has constructed 210 school infrastructure projects in 210 communities and remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for children.
Gobah explained that PoP first visited the community 2 years ago and found that the school lacked adequate classroom infrastructure. Initially, a 3-unit kindergarten block was constructed before building the new 6-unit classroom block, as the existing 6-unit pavilion was insufficient for the school's needs.
According to the headmaster of Honugo DA Basic School, Beloved Akpalu, the school, with 189 pupils from kindergarten to JHS 3 and 11 teachers, previously had only a 6-unit classroom block. This was insufficient to accommodate all learners, and rain often forced the school to close due to inadequate classrooms and potential storm dangers.
Gobah encouraged school authorities and residents to properly maintain the new facility to ensure future generations also benefit. He urged parents to remain united and actively support their children's education.
The headmaster also appealed to individuals and organisations to complement the efforts of Pencils of Promise, as the new building includes a designated space for an ICT laboratory but lacks computers.
Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, Charles Akwasi Agbeve, commended Pencils of Promise for helping to reduce the classroom deficit in the community and expanding access to education. He recalled the challenges previous generations faced due to the lack of educational infrastructure and urged parents to ensure their children take advantage of the improved learning environment.
Chief Executive Officer of Pencils of Promise Global, Leslie Engle, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting education in the Volta Region. She described the partnership with local communities as one built on a shared commitment to learning and highlighted the organisation's impact through various indicators.
The commissioning is expected to provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for pupils at Honugo DA Basic School while strengthening efforts to improve educational outcomes in the Agotime-Ziope District.