The Moment of Glory Prayer Army (MOGPA) has relieved pupils of Abrafo Kokoben Basic School of the plight of studying in a makeshift structure.
Attached to the three-classroom block constructed for the school are a furnished ICT laboratory, a headmaster’s office, and a staff common room for teachers.
For years, pupils at the Junior High School level studied in makeshift structures while awaiting the completion of a building commenced by the Parent-Teacher Association.
Ghana’s education system continues to face infrastructure challenges, with many schools struggling with inadequate classroom blocks and furniture.
The Atwima Nwabiagya North District is no exception, as the district education office is overwhelmed with requests for furniture and other logistics from schools in the area.
Although the provision of physical infrastructure for schools is not directly the responsibility of the education service, it is often compelled to rely on assemblies and philanthropists for support.
According to the Deputy Director of Education in the district, Ruby Osei Forson, partnerships with faith-based organisations have become an alternative source of support for schools.
“If some people can help these schools with desks and other infrastructure, it will help improve the studies of these students,” she added.
Through MOGPA, Mfensi, a community in the district, has seen the school’s roof redone and a new ICT laboratory constructed.
Mrs Forson explained that such strategic support has been highly beneficial.
Challenges Of The School
Established decades ago, Abrafo Kokoben Basic School has operated with only six classrooms.
These classrooms accommodate the primary school, leaving the Junior High School in makeshift structures and exposed to weather conditions.
The kindergarten section is still in an uncompleted classroom block, with floors yet to be screeded despite the structures being roofed.
Beyond infrastructure challenges, the school also faces security issues, as some unscrupulous individuals reportedly use parts of the classrooms as places of convenience.
As a result, the school has engaged a security officer, whose salary it struggles to pay.
Relief Provided By MOGPA
The intervention by the Moment of Glory Prayer Army has brought significant relief to the school and education authorities.
In addition to the classrooms, the school now has a well-furnished ICT laboratory to support the teaching and learning of ICT.
Previously, laptops belonging to teachers were the only computers available for ICT lessons.
The staff common room for teachers and the headmaster’s office, which includes a toilet facility, have also eased administrative challenges.
Speaking on the gesture, Mr Isaac Boakye Yiadom, Welfare Chairman of MOGPA, said the intervention was in fulfilment of the gospel mandate.
The religious organisation has previously supported communities with boreholes and other educational infrastructure projects.
