Wassa Afransie gets 9-unit classroom block through COCOBOD-Nyonkopa-Barry Traceable Foundation
A nine-unit classroom block has been inaugurated for the Wassa Afransie community in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region to enhance teaching and learning.
Attached to the school block is a fully equipped computer laboratory to introduce children to digital learning and prepare them for the modern world, along with eight-seater WASH facilities to promote proper sanitation and healthy habits among pupils. The project also includes staff common rooms, giving teachers a decent space to plan, rest and collaborate, and canteens for students, ensuring a comfortable place for meals and interaction.
The projects were jointly funded and implemented by the Cocobod-Barry-Nyonkopa Traceable Foundation, which seeks to support local community projects aimed at improving the living conditions of farming communities in cocoa-growing districts who are engaged in the production and supply of traceable cocoa.
Shared commitment
Speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the facility, the Head of Business at Nyonkopa Cocoa Buying Limited, a subsidiary of Barry Callebaut, one of the world's leading manufacturers of cocoa products, Eddy Nartey, said the project reflected their shared commitment to improving education in cocoa-growing communities.
He said for some time the beneficiary schools had managed with limited space and inadequate facilities, adding: "Many pupils have studied under challenging conditions, and teachers have done their best with what was available."
"These new facilities have been carefully designed not just to provide classrooms, but to create a complete and supportive learning environment," he said, adding that the additional facilities serve as a reminder that education is not only about books and lessons but about dignity, health, confidence and opportunity.
Investment in students
"To our dear students, this investment is for you. We believe in your potential, and we trust that you will make good use of these facilities. Take care of them and let them inspire you to aim higher in your studies," he said.
While urging community members to take ownership of the projects, protect them and ensure they are well maintained for generations to come, he said: "It is my hope that these improved conditions will support the excellent work of teachers and make teaching and learning more effective and enjoyable."
Aligning with child labour reduction efforts
The Director of Research Unit at the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr Isaac Manu, said the provision of the facilities aligned with COCOBOD's efforts to reduce child labour in cocoa areas.
He said the classroom block would provide a safe and congenial environment for pupils, thereby helping to eradicate child labour. "I urge the pupils to take advantage to acquire basic education," he said.
Reduce congestion
The Circuit Supervisor for Wassa Afransie, Samuel Agyapong, who represented the Municipal Director of the Ghana Education Service, said the schools needed additional classrooms to reduce congestion and improve academic work.
He mentioned that the provision of a conducive learning environment was key to improving the academic performance of pupils, noting: "This educational infrastructure has come at the right time to boost the morale of both the teachers and the pupils."
He pledged that the directorate would jealously guard the facilities provided to stand the test of time and said: "These structures belong to all of us. Therefore, their ability to last long requires collective efforts."
Excitement from the chief
The Chief of Wassa Afransie, Nana Amuagjaafo II, who could not hide his excitement, thanked Nyonkopa and other benefactors for their collaborative efforts towards the execution of the project.
"At the initial stage, I did not expect such a product to be provided. I must say that this new facility has brought a huge sigh of relief to the community leaders and the school authorities," he said.
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