Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Member of Parliament for Ketu South, and Pencils of Promise (PoP), a non-profit organsation, has cut the sod for construction of a two-unit kindergarten (KG) block for the Yame-Lente Basic School. The construction work, to commence in February, is expected to be completed in about three months to replace the dilapidated block currently accommodating the 60 young learners. Mr Freeman Gobah, the Country Director of PoP, speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, said the organisation, which operated in the Volta, Eastern and Oti regions, would bear 80 per cent of the cost, while the community bore 20 per cent. He asked for collaboration from community members for early completion of the project to provide a conducive environment for the young learners. The organisation, he noted, was committed to improving quality education in less privileged schools and communities. Madam Gomashie, for her part, said she would provide trips of sand and gravel as part of the community's 20 per ce nt contribution to the project. She appealed to the community members to willingly come out in their numbers to provide labour to ensure the work was completed on schedule. That would provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning, she said, adding: 'My passion is the human capital development of my constituents.' 'Let's be concerned about the education of our children. Education is an enabler. It breaks barriers.' 'They may not have jobs after graduation but what they might have acquired cannot be taken away from them. Knowledge is enough to build our society.' Torgbui Atikpa III, the Chief of Yame, assured the gathering that his people would readily provide the labour while he would ensure the provision of water at the site. 'And for stealing of construction materials, be assured that it would not happen here. Security will be tight and anybody who tries will regret it,' he said. Mr Ephraim Kassegni, the Head teacher of the school, expressed gratitude for the support as it would be a great relief to the pupils and impact on enrolment. 'We used to hold the KG classes under trees but later through the Parent-Teacher Association and the School Management Council, we got this structure, which is in a bad state now,' he said. 'During rainy seasons, classes cannot hold. The KG pupils were 84, but now, 54. Currently, we have a combined KG class occupying the primary one classroom while a combined class of primary one and two use the classroom meant for primary two.' Mr Amenorvi Ahiafor, a resident, expressed willingness to support the work when construction starts. 'I'll come here to help before going out for my menial job because that will be my own'. Source: Ghana News Agency A total of 80 schools will benefit from printers, projectors and visualizers worth Sh4.9 million donated by Epson Kenya in partnership with Liquid Intelligent Technologies. The donations are meant to aid the implementation of the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) in schools from early childhood to secondary education. This initiative is part of the program by Epson to give over 800 EcoTank printers to schools and hospitals across eight countries in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu appreciated the efforts that Epson Company and Liquid Technologies have put and are continuing to put in, in making education much more interesting and easier for students of all walks of life. In a speech read on his behalf by Director General of Education Dr. Elyas Abdi, Machogu said that this technology, in the form of printers, projectors and visualizers, will play a big part in aiding teaching and learning, especially in classes with big numbers of students in underp rivileged communities. Liquid Intelligent Technologies Group-Technology and Innovation officer Ben Roberts noted that this partnership represents a significant step in enhancing educational technologies through technology. Rosemary Bosibori Onyacha who received the African Union award for the best teacher in 2023 spoke highly about the program for its potential to advance educational opportunities and career prospects for both tutors and learners. 'My teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in fostering innovation and nurturing growth capacities. I am driven by a profound passion for nurturing gender equality and I am committed to dismantling obstacles that hinder the progress of young students,' said Onyancha. She said that despite the ongoing challenges in integrating educational technology into classrooms, such as financial limitations and the complexities of acquiring, installing and utilizing effective tools, her dedication remains unwavering. 'I believe in empowering young minds through education, tra nscending the hurdles that persist in the realm of educational technology,' said Onyancha. Source: Kenya News Agency
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