Three basic schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana have won the Jan Binder Award for the cleanest and most environmentally-friendly schools in 2023.

Sabs Dayspring Community School in Ahodwo, CandyLand Educational Complex in Ejisu, and Kaas Montessori School in Asante Bekwai secured the first, second, and third positions, respectively for their special efforts in adhering to green practices.

The Jan Binder Awards have been established to recognize schools that maintain a clean environment and prioritize the well-being of school children.

The impact of pollution on the environment and public health in Ghana is rapidly gaining attention, prompting increased emphasis on green initiatives throughout the country.

Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans and Opportunity International Germany instituted the awards to encourage clean and green environment ideas in basic schools. 

The award primarily focuses on basic schools to inculcate positive traits of environmental consciousness in children right from the early stages of their development.

It evaluates schools based on green tree covers, tidy classrooms equipped with regularly emptied waste bins, well-maintained toilet facilities, and clean compounds with hand washing facilities and green environments among other criteria.

CEO of Opportunity International Deutschland, Anke Luckja believes early-age environmental consciousness will fasten green efforts.

“It’s difficult to change their mindset. So when you're a child, it's easier than growing up and learning to take care of the environment. We want to push and emphasize this need. Ghana is a beautiful country, so there needs to be a change in the environment,” she said.

Araba Mosner-Ansong is the Programs Manager, International and Partner Relations, of Sinapi Aba.

“Education is important to preserve our environment, aside from that, We make sure their lessons have green and cleanliness practices that will help improve their health and psychological well-being,” she said.

Proprietress of Sabs Dayspring Community School, Sabrina Matina Brempong, is happy the school’s green efforts have been acknowledged.

“The green grass takes a lot of work, the planting of flowers and trees. It’s not just for the beautification of the school, children learn from it in environmental science practicals. And we are glad that our hard work has been seen,”she said.

Sabs Dayspring Community School was awarded GHS 25,350, CandyLand Educational Complex had GHS 16,900, and Kaas Montessori School in Ashanti GHS 8,450 with accompanying citations.