The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak has commended the launch of the BORDER Project initiative by the World Vision.
According to him, the move is a timely and transformative initiative that seeks to uplift vulnerable border communities through access to essential services, including education, health, water, agriculture, and peacebuilding.
“As Deputy Minister for Education, I am particularly encouraged by the project’s focus on resilience and inclusion, two pillars that are essential not only for development but for the delivery of equitable and quality education across Ghana.
“In Ghana’s northern border regions, many children, especially those in refugee and host communities, continue to face severe barriers to education. These include inadequate school infrastructure, lack of water and sanitation facilities, food insecurity, and in some cases, instability that disrupts learning and attendance. Girls, in particular, bear the brunt of these challenges”, Dr. Apaak disclosed this when delivering the keynote address at the Official Launch of the BORDER Project at the Alisa Hotel, Ridge – Accra recently.
He continued: “The BORDER Project, by improving water and sanitation in schools and communities, rehabilitating health facilities, and supporting livelihoods, is laying the foundation for children to attend school, stay in school, and thrive. A child cannot learn when hungry, ill, or walking long distances for water.”
He stated that the project’s emphasis on community engagement and social cohesion contributes directly to creating safe and inclusive learning environments where children of different backgrounds – Ghanaian and refugee alike can grow together in peace.
“The Ministry of Education stands ready to collaborate with World Vision Ghana and its partners to ensure that the gains of this project translate into improved learning outcomes. We will work through the Ghana Education Service to align local interventions with national policies, including the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and our commitments under SDG 4 in ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all”, the deputy minister stated.
