In a significant show of support for rural education, the EKK Charity Foundation has delivered essential resources and materials to Chaboba, a remote farming community in Ghana’s Bono East Region. The donation aims to alleviate longstanding educational challenges in Chaboba, where students have historically faced limited access to basic learning tools and infrastructure.
This generous contribution, which included school supplies and construction materials, is viewed as a pivotal step toward improving the quality of education in Chaboba, where retaining teachers has been challenging due to isolation and a lack of facilities. Many students in the village struggle daily with limited resources, often going without basic items like books, shoes, and school bags. These challenges have led some young learners to abandon their studies early to support family farming activities.
In response, EKK Charity Foundation stepped in with a substantial donation of 1,500 exercise books, 300 school bags, 300 pairs of shoes, and ample writing supplies, all aimed at alleviating some of these critical shortages. Additionally, 97 bags of cement and 1,300 blocks were provided to assist in repairing and reinforcing the deteriorating school structure, creating a safer and more conducive learning environment. Dr. Evans Kofi Kwafo, widely known as “EKK,” the foundation’s CEO, spearheaded this initiative, reaffirming his commitment to supporting education across Ghana’s rural communities.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday, October 28, 2024, and saw a gathering of local leaders, district education officials, teachers, students, and community members, all united by their commitment to education. Representing the District Education Director, Mr. Samuel Anyobode, Circuit Supervisor for the Kyeamekrom area, accepted the donation on behalf of Chaboba’s schools. Mr. Anyobode expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Kwafo and the foundation, acknowledging the transformative impact of the donation.
“Education opens doors for these children, and this donation brings us closer to that goal,” Mr. Anyobode remarked during his speech. “The EKK Charity Foundation’s efforts have made a difference that will resonate for years. We call on teachers assigned to Chaboba to remain dedicated to their roles here, as they are a pillar of hope for the community’s future.”
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Madam Mavis Nyantakyiwaa Agyei, Secretary of EKK Charity Foundation, outlined the foundation’s mission to uplift underserved communities and ensure access to quality education regardless of location. Ms. Agyei emphasized that Chaboba’s pressing needs reflect the foundation’s commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in rural areas.
“The circumstances in Chaboba touched us deeply, and we felt it was our duty to assist,” she explained. “Our goal is to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed, regardless of geographical challenges. This donation is a beginning, and we hope it will inspire others to invest in the educational journeys of young learners.”
Ms. Agyei also underscored the importance of sustained government intervention, urging the Ministry of Education to prioritize schools in rural communities like Chaboba, where educational challenges are compounded by limited resources. She noted that while charitable donations offer immediate relief, comprehensive governmental support is essential to effect long-term change in underserved areas.
“EKK Charity Foundation’s contributions provide immediate relief, but sustainable change requires continued commitment,” Ms. Agyei stressed. “We urge the government to join hands with us in this effort, ensuring that communities like Chaboba receive the ongoing support they need.”
The community has warmly welcomed the foundation’s generosity, seeing it as a crucial step toward addressing Chaboba’s educational challenges. Parents, community leaders, and local stakeholders voiced their appreciation and hope that this intervention will help reverse the longstanding trend of inadequate educational facilities and inconsistent teaching in the village.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Anyobode called upon the community to keep Dr. Kwafo in their prayers as he continues his philanthropic journey to uplift Ghana’s underserved communities. He expressed hope that EKK Charity Foundation’s efforts will inspire other organizations and individuals to make similar contributions towards improving education and infrastructure in rural Ghana.
EKK Charity Foundation’s donation to Chaboba is viewed as a timely intervention that will help to improve the quality of education at Chaboba SDA Primary and Junior High School. As the community looks to the future with optimism, there is hope that with continued support from both charitable organizations and government stakeholders, Chaboba’s young learners will have the resources they need for a brighter, more promising future.