Naku School Nearing Completion
on VSO in Ghana (Ghana), 01/Oct/2011 13:08, 34 days ago
It is now just two years since we first went to Ghana. Most of those who went out with us are now back in their home countries and settling to a very different life. Very best wishes to them all and every success for the future. We all have amazing memories of such a life changing experience. We shall also never forget the people we met in Ghana, and we know some relationships built in the last two years will last a lifetime.The school in Naku is approaching its formal opening later in October. In August the building structure was completed.Windows were installed.Furniture was made.Play quipment was produced.Painting was done.- and the gates finally installed.Few schools have such good toilet facilities as this one.We are delighted if this project can be a model for others.None of it would have happened without the young man, Justus, pictured below with his wife and child.He was not only persistent in securing our interest in the plight of the population of the village of Naku, he engaged the architects on a speculative project which may not have been funded. He maintained contact with us on our return to the UK. He worked with a Catholic brotherhood in the area to manage the finances of the project. He has managed all aspects of the project from start to finish. He is studying in Wa at the University of Development Studies. He will, we are sure, continue his philanthropic approach to life, building the capacity locally for self-improvement. He is a remarkable young man and we are the richer for having met him.Local children came to visit the school before the start of term.Meanwhile back in Wa, Ruby carries on her excellent work with the local Coalition of school management committees, supporting them in finding funding for improvements to their communities.The Aylward Academy in Enfield has just presented us with a cheque for£2,797.95. This will soon be on its way to Ruby and another village should be getting a bore hole earlier than they might have hoped. Once installed, the children of that village should be able to attend school more regularly, as the daily chore of collecting water will have been made so much easier and less time consuming. Collecting water is one of the key reasons why some students, especially girls, fail to attend school.