The "Our Day" end-of-year celebration for pupils is an important event for students, especially in basic schools, and should not be missed.

However, not every child has the opportunity to enjoy such occasions, particularly those from deprived communities. Various factors, such as financial difficulties, prevent parents and guardians from supporting their children in celebrating before the school vacation begins.

In the Pakro St James Anglican Basic School in the Akuapem South District of the Eastern Region, the Ghana-Russia Centre for Commerce and Relations visited the community on Thursday, December 19, to organise an "Our Day" event for about 341 pupils.

Led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Centre, John Aggrey, the team responded to an appeal from one of the school's teachers regarding the challenges faced by the pupils. After assessing the situation, they deemed it important to bring joy to the children.

The team donated several stationery items, sportswear, candies, assorted drinks, and toiletries to the school authorities for distribution among the students.

“We received a special request from one of the teachers here to join them on their first day of vacation for ‘Our Day’, so we came here to donate school jerseys, footballs, stationery, drinks, and some food items,” Mr Aggrey noted.

He expressed gratitude to the various benefactors, saying, “We would like to thank our partners who supported us, especially the Russian Embassy in Ghana, for their generous contributions, as well as all others who made this possible.”

Mr Aggrey stated that he was motivated to regularly organise such events for pupils, not just during festive seasons. “I think it should be a monthly event where every organisation runs a programme—not just giving out surplus items, but providing what is truly needed,” he added.

The District Director of the Ghana Education Service for the area, Elizabeth Afuiyie, who received the items on behalf of the school, expressed her gratitude for the donation.

“In fact, when I arrived, I didn’t even know what to say. As they were arranging the items, I was overwhelmed. Seeing all these items, I am so happy. This support will go a long way in benefiting these children. They have truly made the children’s ‘Our Day’ special,” she said.

Regarding improvements in ICT education in the area, she appealed for support to help the learners start learning from an early age.

She requested computers, projectors, and other essential IT gadgets. She also urged teachers and parents to continue working together to raise children, emphasising that it is a shared responsibility to support a child's development.

The event featured a live musical performance by an Accra-based gospel artist, a dance performance, and singing to entertain the pupils.

This is the first time the Centre has organised such an event. Mr Aggrey stated that, as their inaugural event, he is motivated to organise more in the future.