Some Master of Science in Development Management students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have gone to the aid of teachers of the St. Francis Xavier Primary School also known as the Zaare Experimental Primary School in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region by constructing a modernized bio-digester toilet facility for them.
The quintet namely; Samuel Gong Duut, Helen Barikisu, Abeongo Mercy Apoasana Awuni, Jerry Akanjelikum Atuiri, and the Team Leader Agana Marcel who are under the Institute of Distance Learning-IDL of the school undertook the project in part fulfilment of the programme’s requirement which stipulates that they embark on a Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropic Project (SEaP).
The kind gesture goes a long way to address a myriad of sanitary issues plaguing the school.
In many public basic schools, toilet facilities are often constructed for pupils, and the manner of utilization makes it difficult for teachers to use such facilities. This sometimes forces many teachers especially in rural areas to leave school and go to distant places to attend to nature’s call.
In some cases, such teachers do not return to the school.
The facility by the five students equally opens up the conversation for community leaders, district, regional, and national agencies of the Ghana Education Service, district and central government to pay attention to the well-being of teachers who are a key part of the education set up.
Speaking Friday, April 26, 2024, at the handing over ceremony of the facility for utilization, Samuel Gong Duut, who spoke on behalf of the five students known as Team Bolga, noted that the project helps in fulfilling three of the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The first goal which is Goal 3 talks about health and well-being. It also helps in fulfilling Goal 4 on improving access to quality education since teachers will no longer have to leave the school premises to attend to nature’s call. The goal that is equally addressed is Goal 6, improving access to clean water and sanitation.
Mr. Duut added that aside from the provision of the facility, the students will occasionally visit the school beginning, May 2024 to sensitize the pupils/learners on personal and environmental hygiene.
“We are doing a program in KNUST known as Development Management and as part of the requirement of that particular program, students are supposed to undertake a Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropic Project (SEaP) before they complete. We decided to construct this WASH facility to fulfill some of the Sustainable Development Goals. One talks about our health and well-being, we also realized that it will be fulfilling access to quality education, and the last aspect of it will be sanitation and hygiene.” He emphasized while disclosing that they are hoping to mobilize resources to replace the chalkboards in the school with marker boards.
According to the Headmistress of the School, Ayimonsal Gladys, the facility will give the 16 teachers of the school with the majority being female some sense of dignity and decency.
She further disclosed that the facility brings to an end the teachers leaving the school premises with the excuse of attending to nature’s call and not returning to finish up the day’s academic activities.
“It is an important day for us because, with the help of the students, we have met one of our targets. Some teachers will come to be excused to visit the latrine but that ends it. They won’t come back but today, we are delivered from excuses.” She noted with joy.
Speaking on behalf of the Bolgatanga Municipal Director of Education, Agunga-Dongo Frederick Ayine, TVET/PRO of the directorate, said it solves the challenge of hygiene for teachers as he appealed to the PTA and community leaders to take charge of the maintenance.
“This will enhance the sanitation situation in the school so definitely a problem is solved but we want to appeal to the parents and community leaders to take charge of the maintenance.” He admonished.
In addition to the toilet facility, other items including Veronica Buckets and toiletries were equally provided to the school.
Meanwhile, parents who were delighted to have the facility constructed for the school pledged to work with the school authorities and other community leaders to maintain it.
