Kpando Senior High School (KPASEC) in the Volta Region celebrated its 71st anniversary with a grand speech and prize-giving day on the theme, "The Impact of Alumni Involvement in Education: The Role of KOSA."

The event, held on the school’s campus, gathered alumni, dignitaries, and stakeholders who reflected on the school's past achievements and outlined new directions for its future.

In his address, the headmaster lauded the significant contributions of the Kpando Old Students Association (KOSA), crediting them for their continuous support in infrastructure development, student mentorship, and funding academic programmes.

He highlighted how alumni have been pivotal in KPASEC’s growth from a small community school in 1953 to a thriving institution with over 3,500 students today. "Without reflection, we create unintended consequences," the headmaster said, referencing a quote by Margaret J. Wheatley to emphasize the importance of assessing both successes and challenges in the school’s journey.

Academic Excellence and Growth

From humble beginnings with nine students and two teachers, KPASEC now boasts a vibrant student body of 3,509, including 1,491 boys and 2,018 girls. The school has expanded its academic offerings from four original programs (General Arts, General Science, Agricultural Science, and Business Studies) to include Visual Arts and Home Economics.

On academic performance, KPASEC's West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results have consistently improved. For instance, the 2023 results saw a remarkable 96% pass rate in English, 89% in Mathematics, 86% in Integrated Science, and 92% in Social Studies. The headmaster also proudly noted KPASEC’s recent win at the National Energy Challenge, which was fully funded by KOSA.

The Role of KOSA

The headmaster acknowledged KOSA’s ongoing support, including their contributions to the school’s infrastructure and academic projects. From building renovations to providing resources like desktop computers, cadet uniforms, and laboratory tools, KOSA’s involvement has been vital in easing the burden on the school’s limited facilities. Most recently, KOSA’s 1999-year group organized the 71st-anniversary celebrations and donated 200 desks to help reduce the shortage of furniture.

One of the standout moments of the event was the mention of Mr Eric Seddy Kutotsey, a KOSA member, who donated GHC 100,000 to KPASEC’s Energy Challenge champions and offered scholarships to three students up to the master’s level. The PTA was also praised for its role in providing bungalows and classroom blocks and spearheading a 12-unit classroom project to address overcrowding.

Challenges and Future Needs

Despite these successes, the headmaster raised concerns about the school’s urgent infrastructure needs, calling on the government and stakeholders to help address challenges. The list of priority needs includes an 18-unit classroom block, a headmaster’s residence, an ultra-modern boys' dormitory, a new school bus, an assembly hall, and modern toilet and kitchen facilities.
Security is another pressing issue, with only four security personnel protecting the large campus. The headmaster urged the government and philanthropic groups to assist in hiring additional security to safeguard students and staff.

The 71st-anniversary celebration was a testament to KPASEC's remarkable growth and the indispensable role of its alumni in driving this progress. As the school charts its path forward, the headmaster expressed confidence that with continued support from KOSA, the PTA, the government, and other stakeholders, KPASEC will reach new heights in academic excellence and infrastructure development.

"We salute the old students, the government, our municipal authorities, and the PTA for keeping KPASEC strong," he said, before expressing his gratitude to the chiefs and people of Akpini Traditional Area for hosting the school for over seven decades.