A well-equipped sanitary facility for the Mamprobi Methodist Basic School in Accra was commissioned at the school’s premises recently.
The 12-unit toilet and bath facility, fixed with water closet and shower equipment and estimated at GH¢220,000, was financed by the old students (1960s to 1990s year groups) and supported by well-wishers.
The ceremony, which was well attended by some of the old students of the donor year groups, was graced with beautiful cultural displays and inspiring poetry recitals by the schoolchildren.
Project
Giving a brief background about the project, an old student of the 1966 year group, Mr Samuel Adotey Gaskin, said that it was the former Headmistress of the school, Madam Bernice Nubuor, who made the request to the old students in 2023 that one of the most pressing needs of the school was a decent toilet facility because the existing one was a weak and dilapidated structure in the most unhygienic state that posed serious health threat to the lives of the over 400 schoolchildren and the teachers.
He said subsequently, the old students geared themselves up towards erecting a better toilet facility for the school through modest donations and support of some well-wishers, which resulted in the construction of the 12-unit toilet and bathroom facility.
Mr Gaskin lamented the manner in which past students focused more attention on the development of their second-cycle institutions rather than the basic schools they attended, which formed the core of the foundation of their upbringing.
He noted that, much as the infrastructural development of the school fell under the jurisdiction of the government, the Nazareth Methodist Church, which is located adjacent to the school, must recognise that it is a major stakeholder of the school because the school bears the name of the church.
He charged them to show greater interest in the school and help improve the learning environment to upgrade the image of the school.
He bemoaned the lack of maintenance culture among institutions in the country, which allowed public facilities to deteriorate fast and advised the school authorities to take good care of the facility by employing a full-time janitor to maintain the facility and also to give the children good orientation and instruction on the proper use of the toilet facility.
He paid special tribute to all who contributed immensely towards the realisation of the project, including three of their colleagues who were now deceased.
Support
Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony were the Director, Accra Metro–Education, Madam Justine Ivy Apawu; a Reverend Minister of the Nazareth Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Amoah Gaisie, and Mr William Amenuvor, who represented the Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma South Constituency, Dr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije.
Mr Amenuvor commended the old students for the good work done and assured them of the MP’s commitment to continue to support future laudable initiatives within his jurisdiction.
The former headmistress, Madam Bernice Nubuor, who unveiled a plaque in her honour, said education was not just about teaching and learning, but more importantly, it was about creating a sound and serene environment conducive to learning.
She urged the authorities to promote good health practices among schoolchildren.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
