CAMFED Association has donated school furniture to the St Paul Junior High School in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region to address the school’s critical furniture needs. The donation made by the association, a network of young women who were supported through school by CAMFED, consisted of 45 metal single-seater desks aimed at solving the severe furniture shortage that has affected teaching and learning at the school.
St Paul JHS has experienced and continues to suffer from inadequate furniture, a situation that has compelled some pupils to stand while classes are ongoing. Some classes have been forced to combine or share one classroom, creating an uncomfortable and unfavorable teaching and learning environment for both pupils and teachers.
Speaking to Dreamz News, the chairperson of Association, Madonna Kuiniabah, called on the school to ensure proper use and management of the desks. “We are donating these desks because we know the struggles these children are going through. CAMFED supported us through school, and now it is our turn to give back. We urge the school authorities and pupils to take good care of these desks so they can serve the school for many years. Every child deserves a comfortable place to learn,” she said.
During the donation ceremony, Madonna Kuiniabah took the opportunity to advise the pupils to take their lessons seriously and remain committed to their education. She encouraged them to be disciplined and hardworking, emphasizing that education is the key to transforming their lives. Sharing her own experience of how CAMFED’s support enabled her to succeed, she urged the pupils to stay focused despite any challenges they may face.
“Education is the only way out of poverty. Work hard, stay in school, and make the most of every opportunity. We were once like you, but with determination and support, we made it. You can make it too,” she told the pupils.
The Headmaster of the school, Michael Ayinbisa, expressed satisfaction with the gesture extended to the school by CAMA and called on other philanthropists to come to the aid of the school.
“We are extremely grateful to CAMFED Association for this timely donation. Our pupils have been learning under very difficult conditions, with some standing throughout lessons because of lack of furniture. This donation will go a long way to improve the learning environment in our school. We appeal to other well-meaning individuals and organizations to support us with more furniture and learning materials to help our children get quality education,” he said.
