Greek volunteers help build model nursery

Forty-two Greek volunteers have embarked on a project to construct a two-unit classroom block for a model early childhood development centre in the Kpene community in the Sagnarigu District of the Northern Region.

The volunteers are constructing the facility  with support from some members of the community. Their visit to the community was facilitated by Action Aid Ghana.

During an interaction with residents of the area, including opinion leaders, chiefs and elders, the Country Director of Action Aid, Ghana, Madam Adwoa Kwarteng, observed that although the people of the area were committed to education, they lacked support, hence the decision of her outfit to initiate moves that would help improve on educational infrastructure in the community.

She thanked the chief and his elders for releasing land for the project.

Madam Kwarteng equally bemoaned the inadequate  number of extension officers in the area which was impacting negatively on food security in the area.

"We have identified about 222 communities in our operational areas that have similar challenges like the Kpene community. I, therefore, entreat the government to find ways of improving on the ratio of extension officer to each farmer," she stressed.

According to her, increasing the number of extension officers in the area would ultimately ensure that  no child went to bed hungry.

The Programme Manager of Action Aid in the Northern Region, Madam Esther Boateng, called on the community to own the facility when it was completed, and ensured that they evolved strategies to build similar facilities with quality building materials in the future.

The Sagnarigu District Chief Executive, Mr Alhassan Surogudoo, observed that the community lacked potable water and pledged that within the next three weeks, the district assembly would facilitate the provision of a water facility for the community.

He expressed concern about food insecurity in the area, and entreated public-spirited organisations to support the community to be self-reliant in that sector.

One of the volunteers, Miss Violetta Kalathaki, said "it is a great experience and very refreshing for me to be engaged in this project of supporting people who need help and putting smiles on their faces."