The Rotary Club of Sunyani Central has handed over a six-unit classroom with other auxiliary facilities to Soronoase-Kwaedendem, a migrant farming community in the Tain District of the Bono Region.
The project which cost $110,377.00 was a partnership between Sunyani Central Rotary Club with the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and its Rotary partner districts and clubs in the USA and Canada.
The school is christened The Journey of Hope School in memory of Eric/Hope Verbeeck, the late son of District Governor-Elect of Rotary District 4453.
Other facilities attached to the classroom block include a computer laboratory, library, an office and a store room.
There is also a 10-unit micro flush toilet.
Textbooks, library books, internet-configured laptops pack with study and play materials, furniture for the classrooms and library and other teaching and learning materials have been supplied to enhance teaching and learning.
Rotarian Dominic Mary Kafui Kornu, President of the Rotary Club of Sunyani Central, was elated to have the project see the light of day as he recounted the very first encounter his club had with the community.
“The children of this community and its environs will no longer be denied priceless instructional hours and a safe environment to live their dreams of having quality education. Our collective efforts have led to what we are witnessing today. It is time for celebration, and I urge all parents to make it their priority to enroll their children and provide for their daily school attendance in order to fully benefit from the school.”
Rotarian President Kafui expressed his profound appreciation to the Rotarians from the partner Districts and Clubs in the United States of America and Canada and The Rotary Foundation for their support.
“To our fellow Rotarians from Districts 6990, 7040, 7545, 7610, 7670, 7730, and 9102, we can only continue to thank and appreciate you for coming on board to collaborate and impact the lives of the people of Soronoase-Kwaedendem and its environs. We cannot forget DGE Peter Verbeeck for his immense contribution.”
Rotarian (PP) Walter Hughes Jr, leader of the US delegation was glad to be in Soronoase again for the dedication of the school.
He expressed his profound appreciation to the community for donating the plot of land and encouraged them to enroll their children so they get the best education and resources to equip them for the future.
The Tain District Director of Education, Mr. Godfed Dumah said the school has been absorbed by the Ghana Education Service and that his office is ready to post qualified teachers to the school.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Tain District, Hon. Rotarian Charity Akua Foriwaa Dwommoh commended the Rotary Club of Sunyani Central and all Rotarians for their support.
In a related development, the Rotary Club of Sunyani Central, with the support of the Rotary Foundation and its international Rotary partners performed a groundbreaking ceremony at Adadease Junction in the Tain District to commence the construction of a similar school block for use as a Junior High School at the cost of USD118, 000. When completed, it will serve five communities in the area with access to primary school but no JHS to continue their education.