A non-governmental organization vested in education, Pencils of Promise, has commissioned its 205th classroom block in the 12 years of its operations in the Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regions.

The feat was marked with completion of a two-unit classroom block for the Lente MA Basic School in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region.

The block which is attached to an office and storage facility replaces a weak shed for the kindergarten department.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Country Director of Pencils of Promise, Freeman Gobah emphasised the organization’s commitment to enhancing education in underserved areas.

He said that the project was completed through a partnership with the Member of Parliament, Abla Dzifa Gomashi, who contributed about 20% of the cost of construction.

"Today, we are proud to commission this facility, which includes new furniture for both the kindergarten and primary school, a modern toilet and urinal, and a 10,000-litre water storage tank. Previously, the kindergarten operated in an unsafe structure, so this project was urgently needed”, Mr. Gobah explained.

He disclosed plans to complete two projects by the end of 2024, adding that some selected teachers will undergo in-service training on child-centered teaching methods, while beneficiary schools would benefit from WASH programs, and receive classroom and libraries with reading materials in 2025.

The Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, expressed joy at the fulfillment of her long-standing appeal as her four-year request for a befitting infrastructure for the school had been answered.

“By the grace of God and with the support of Pencils of Promise, my wish has been fulfilled”, she gladly said.

Madam Gomashie used the occasion to call on other NGOs to replicate Pencils of Promise’s efforts, emphasizing her vision for further development in the area, including the need for a library in Aflao.

The headmaster of Lente MA Basic School, Ephraim Kaseni, shared his excitement about the new facilities, hoping it would improve academic activities.

"This is not just a block; it is a transformation for our school. We are committed to ensuring these facilities are used to develop our children into future leaders," he said.

He, however, appealed for additional support to renovate the upper primary block, which is in poor condition, pledging to uphold the partnership’s goals through dedication and excellence.