Students and staff of Presby D/A Basic School in Mefe, North Tongu District, now have renewed hope with the completion of a newly rehabilitated and furnished seven-unit classroom block.

Once a temporary shelter for displaced residents affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage, the facility has now been transformed into a conducive learning environment, thanks to a collaboration between Right to Play, a non-governmental organisation focused on education, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Restoring education after the Akosombo dam spillage
The Akosombo Dam spillage caused widespread devastation, leaving many communities in distress. Schools like Presby D/A Basic School served as temporary refuges for displaced families, disrupting educational activities and leaving classrooms in urgent need of rehabilitation.

With the renovation and handover of the classroom block, the school can now refocus on its core mission of delivering quality education to students in the area.

The newly renovated facility includes 40 dual desks, 50 sets of kindergarten-appropriate furniture, washrooms, and a dedicated change room for girls. These upgrades ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment, addressing crucial infrastructure gaps that have long hindered effective teaching and learning.

Commitment to educational advancement
At a brief commissioning ceremony, Josephine Mukakalisa, Country Director for Right to Play, emphasised the importance of continued efforts to improve school infrastructure not just in North Tongu, but across other districts in Ghana.

"There are several schools in North Tongu and beyond that still require urgent attention to create a conducive environment for learning. Right to Play remains committed to working with partners to make a lasting impact on education in Ghana," she stated.

Francis Yao Agbemadi, the Volta Regional Director of Education, also commended the intervention, noting the critical role played by donors and stakeholders in strengthening Ghana’s educational infrastructure.

"Partnerships with organisations such as Right to Play are essential in accelerating progress towards ensuring that every child has access to quality education in a supportive and well-equipped learning space," he remarked.

Expanding educational support in Akatsi North
Beyond North Tongu, Right to Play has extended its efforts to Akatsi North District, where it has renovated and handed over a six-unit pavilion classroom block at Fiave Sanyi D/A Basic School.

This transformation has turned what was once an incomplete structure into a fully functional classroom block, significantly enhancing the teaching and learning experience.

Kpebu Joshua, the headmaster of Fiave Sanyi D/A Basic School, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, highlighting its positive impact on student enrolment and academic performance.

"This intervention has come at the right time. It will not only improve the learning environment but also encourage more parents to enrol their children in school, knowing that they now have better facilities," he said.

A testament to the power of partnerships
The successful rehabilitation and handover of these educational facilities reflect the power of partnerships in driving positive change in communities.

Through the support of Right to Play, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other stakeholders, these schools are now better positioned to offer quality education to students.

As Ghana continues to push for improved educational infrastructure, such initiatives serve as a beacon of hope, ensuring that students—particularly in disaster-affected areas—receive the support they need to thrive academically.

The commitment to rebuilding and enhancing educational institutions is a significant step towards a brighter future for young learners in the Volta Region and beyond.