The Founder of the Duffour Foundation Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and the Founder of the Livingstone Foundation, Livingstone Etsey Setekla also known as Stonebwoy are embarking on a project together to renovate and refurbish the Trekume basic school located at the Anloga District in the Volta region.
The businessman and the multiple awards-winning Dancehall Artist, on a trip to the school on Friday expressed disappointment at the state of the school’s facilities and have indicated their resolve to give it a face-lift to enhance teaching and learning.
The Trekume basic school which was built several years ago serves about seven different communities that include school children from Tregui, Trekume, Dosukope, Blemezado, Azanu among others.
Despite the school’s growing population which currently stands at about 350 pupils, the school is riddled with several challenges since no major renovation work was done from the time it was established.
The existing classroom structures are dilapidated and are heavily invaded by bats, as the floors develop deep gullies with windows ripped off in some cases.
Headmaster of the school, Mr. Isaac Boni told Starr News that the school’s infrastructural situation is not friendly and affects the performance of the pupils.
He added that, “We also lack ICT computers, we don’t have accommodation for teachers and so when teachers are posted they come and see the facilities here and disappear.”
On a trip to the school on Friday, Dancehall Artist and Founder of the Livingstone Foundation, Livingstone Etsey Setekla, Stonebwoy said the initiative is in line with his commitment to contributing to the development of the country through his Livingstone Foundation.
He urged the Ghanaian public to take interest in the development of their respective communities and also commit the little resources they can to it.
“Should everybody hold it dear to the heart to do the least or the most for where they come from, it will eventually come together to look great,” Stonebwoy remarked.
The musician added that his Foundation in recent times has received numerous requests but the choice of the Trekume Basic School became necessary given the alarming conditions of the school.
Dr. Kwabena Duffour on the other hand noted that the state of the school’s facilities needs urgent attention.
“What we have seen here, we are not happy. Our children should have a more decent environment to stay in there and learn and I think we can change this situation, it must be done.”
The Former Finance Minister who is seeking to lead his party, the National Democratic Congress as the Flagbearer into the 2024 general elections said the initiative falls under his Ghanaian Dream Project which aims at giving equal opportunities to the Ghanaian people in every aspect of our lives.
“We are informing ourselves that the situation we have seen today is deplorable and something must be done about it. The Ghanaian Dream means that everyone must be given equal opportunities; we have children staying in air-conditioned classrooms somewhere in Ghana here and we have our children here (Trekume basic school) but they will be taking the same exams. How will they achieve the same results as those in those nice environments,” Dr. Kwabena Duffour quizzed.
In all, the school’s dilapidated 6-unit primary classroom block, and another 3-unit JHS block will be renovated with ancillary facilities expected to be added all within the next 12months.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5fm/Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu
