Builsa south: World Vision Ghana, a child-focused Christian non-profit organisation, has made a significant impact on education in the Builsa South District by donating teaching and learning materials along with hygiene supplies to five basic schools. The initiative aims to improve learning outcomes and promote the wellbeing of children in the district.
According to Ghana News Agency, the items donated included 1,100 storybooks, 700 textbooks, 800 posters, 800 World Vision-branded exercise books, 3,744 tubes of toothpaste, 200 toothbrushes, 25 footballs, and 52 dual desks, all sponsored by World Vision USA. Additionally, Jay Kay Publishing contributed 1,000 exercise books to support the educational needs of the beneficiary schools: Fumbisi Preparatory Primary and Junior High School, Kasiesa Primary and Junior High School, Baasa Primary and Junior High School, Naadema Primary and Junior High School, and Butrinsa Primary and Junior High School.
In conjunction with the donations, the organisation hosted a special birthday celebration for the pupils, providing hot meals and drinks. This effort, named 'Birthday Bounce Back,' is part of an annual programme supported by child sponsors and donors of World Vision Ghana's intervention in the Builsa South Area Programme.
Mr Moses Nsoh, Builsa South Area Programme Manager of World Vision Ghana, highlighted that the initiative is designed to celebrate children and strengthen education by addressing the shortage of teaching and learning materials in schools. The integration of education into the birthday celebration came after identifying poor academic performance and inadequate access to textbooks as major challenges in the district.
Mr Nsoh noted that every participating child received nutritious food and drinks, providing an opportunity for them to experience care and kindness. Additionally, the organisation's interventions in the district extend to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), food security, and livelihood support, with several schools benefitting from mechanised boreholes and school gardens established by World Vision.
He explained that proceeds from the school gardens have enabled some schools to acquire footballs, jerseys, and educational materials, enhancing both teaching and extracurricular activities. World Vision's new five-year strategy places greater emphasis on education, aiming to reach 2.8 million vulnerable children.
Moreover, the organisation has enrolled 15 apprentices this year in vocational training, providing them with tools and financial assistance. This initiative builds on the support given to 25 young people last year, offering opportunities for out-of-school adolescents to gain self-reliance.
Mr Yango Crispin, Builsa South District Coordinating Director, praised World Vision for supporting the Assembly's development efforts through education, disaster preparedness, and skills development initiatives. He urged other development partners to follow World Vision's example in promoting district development.
Mr Stephen Ajubil Akumzeyam, Deputy Director in charge of Monitoring and Supervision at the Ghana Education Service in Builsa South, encouraged pupils to reciprocate the support by working hard and maintaining discipline. He emphasized the importance of commitment to studies for the pupils to become responsible citizens.
Students like Ms Blessing Akperi expressed gratitude to World Vision for the birthday celebration and the improved learning conditions at Fumbisi Preparatory Junior High School. Another beneficiary, Ms Dorcas Akubadek, shared how World Vision's vocational training support has enabled her to acquire skills and work towards economic independence.