Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans is investing in the promotion of a clean and green sustainable environment in basic schools in the Eastern region.

Under its Jan Binder Awards, three schools in the Nsawam municipality of the region were awarded cash prizes for promoting healthy living.

The initiative aims at a collective effort to attaining Sustainable Development Goal 6 by instilling good sanitary practices in young people and children across the country.

The awards are held in memory of Jan Binder, a young German man dedicated to ensuring environmentally friendly schools in deprived communities. 

After his demise, his mother, Martha Binder, began an annual cycling tour in Germany to raise funds for rewarding environmentally-conscious schools in his honor.

The 2024 Jan Binder Awards took place in Eastern Region’s Nsawam municipality, under the organization of Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans and Opportunity International Germany.

Ignis School emerged as the winner, earning the title of the “Most Clean and Green School.”

Great Foundation Academy and Enokwakyewaa Preparatory School took the second and third places, respectively for their efforts in prioritizing environmental cleanliness and the health of their students.

Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Director of Education, Samuel Otopah Ntow, emphasized the importance of maintaining clean and green environments in schools.

He noted that such practices help children develop a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation and better practices.

Schools are assessed on maintaining clean classrooms with regularly emptied waste bins, decent toilet facilities, clean compounds with handwashing stations, and green surroundings.

Chief Programs Officer at Sinapi Aba, Joyce Owusu-Dabo, encouraged schools to sustain their efforts, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change through sustainable practices.

She urged the winners to use their prize money for further improvements in green and clean infrastructure.

The three schools were awarded cash prizes with certificates and plaques in recognition of their efforts.

The winners, Ignis School received GHS 32,175, second place winner, Great Foundation Academy took home GHS 21,450 while Enokwakyewaa Preparatory School jubilated with GHS 10,725.

Co-Director of Ignis School, Patience Amoa Agyei, expressed gratitude to Sinapi Aba.

She emphasized that the awards reinforced the message that “clean and green pays,” which is a core principle taught to their students.