Ashale botwe: Madam Innocentia Ama Afatsawoo, the Headmistress of Sowa Din Memorial 1 Primary School, located in the Adentan municipality, has made an appeal for immediate renovation of one of the school's oldest classroom blocks, which she says poses safety concerns and is not conducive for academic activities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the deteriorating classroom block houses more than 300 pupils across streams 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 6A, and 6B. The Headmistress disclosed that the structure requires frequent repairs to remain usable. Observations revealed significant cracks running vertically on one side of the building.
Madam Afatsawoo explained, "There are cracks in the walls, the roofs leak seriously, and every academic year we have to do renovations. The nature of the roofing doesn't allow good ventilation, making it very difficult for learners and teachers."
The appeal was made during the school's receipt of 700 reading materials donated by Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG). Aside from the need for block refurbishment, she highlighted issues such as inadequate desks and limited dining space for pupils, which have forced the school to deny many children admission. She urged authorities, philanthropists, and non-governmental organizations to support the school by providing more facilities to ensure all children have access to education.
"We have a canteen but it's not big. During break time, learners are seen standing or sitting on corridors and flower beds to eat. Garden chairs or a bigger canteen would help," she added.
Madam Afatsawoo expressed gratitude to CBG for selecting the school among five in the area, indicating that the donation would significantly impact teaching and learning. She noted that with the school's population nearing 750 learners, access to books had been a challenge, making the donation timely.
Ms. Ami Korkor Adenu, Regional Manager of CBG, who made the donation on behalf of the bank, stated that the institution is committed to the educational development of Ghanaian children through reading. "We believe in children and so this year, as part of our project to society, we decided that we'll be giving books to selected schools in the country," she said.
She added, "Through books, we are offered a world of information and knowledge. it helps shape the future of learners."
Ms. Adenu reaffirmed the bank's commitment to supporting deprived schools and hinted at exploring additional partnerships with educational institutions to enhance the country's human resource development. "It is our hope that in the years ahead we will not just be giving books to our children but also working with institutions in other ways. to ensure that our learners become world-class," she concluded.