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The EKK Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to education in deprived areas by donating essential learning supplies to pupils in Mirekukrom, a remote community in the Nsawora District of the Western North Region. The donation event, held recently, saw the foundation distribute critical educational materials and construction resources to help address the challenges faced by the local school.
At the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the EKK Foundation, Mr. Evans Kofi Kwafo, urged philanthropists, corporate entities, and other charitable organizations to partner with the government in meeting the educational needs of vulnerable communities across Ghana. He emphasized that despite the government’s efforts, the burden of ensuring quality education, especially in underserved areas, cannot be left solely on state institutions.
Mr. Kwafo made this appeal as the foundation donated 50 bags of cement to aid in completing a six-unit classroom block for Mirekukrom D/A Primary School, along with 1,500 exercise books, school bags, shoes, desks for teachers, and various teaching materials.
*Addressing Educational Inequality*
In his address, Mr. Kwafo expressed concern over the persistent educational challenges facing children in rural areas like Mirekukrom, highlighting poor infrastructure, inadequate teaching staff, and limited access to learning materials. These factors, he noted, contribute to significant disparities in the quality of education available to children in rural communities compared to their urban counterparts.
“These children are left behind, cut off from opportunities because of poor roads, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of qualified teachers,” Mr. Kwafo stated. “It is crucial that we, as Ghanaians, do not ignore the educational needs of these remote areas. If we do, we will continue to perpetuate a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.”
Mr. Kwafo also pointed out that although the government has implemented several initiatives, including the capitation grant program and free basic education, many schools in deprived areas still face significant resource gaps. He called on affluent individuals, companies, and NGOs to collaborate with the government to ensure that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education.
“We cannot expect the government to do it all,” he stressed. “Private sector involvement is crucial if we are serious about improving living standards across Ghana.”
### Aligning with Global Education Goals
The donation and call for support align with the broader goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. SDG 4 emphasizes that all boys and girls should complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education by 2030.
Mr. Kwafo expressed the foundation’s dedication to supporting this global goal by focusing on rural communities where children are most at risk of missing out on quality education due to systemic challenges.
*Gratitude from the Mirekukrom Community*
The Odikro of Mirekukrom, Nana Kwadwo Tetteh, who was present at the ceremony, expressed his gratitude to the EKK Foundation for its timely intervention. He praised the foundation for its ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children in rural Ghana, noting that the donation would go a long way toward enhancing the quality of education in Mirekukrom.
“This contribution is deeply appreciated,” Nana Tetteh said. “Our children face many difficulties, and the lack of adequate infrastructure is one of the most pressing issues. We are grateful to the EKK Foundation for this support, which will help in completing the classroom block and providing our pupils with the materials they need to succeed.”
Nana Tetteh also used the opportunity to call on the government and other development partners to assist the community in improving its educational infrastructure. He highlighted the need for additional classrooms, trained teachers, and improved learning conditions to ensure the school meets basic standards.
*The Road Ahead*
The donation from the EKK Foundation comes at a critical time when many schools in rural Ghana are grappling with resource shortages. Mirekukrom D/A Primary School, like many other schools in remote areas, faces the dual challenge of insufficient infrastructure and a lack of teaching and learning materials, which hampers the pupils’ ability to learn effectively.
As Mr. Kwafo reiterated during the ceremony, the foundation remains committed to doing its part to close the educational gap in Ghana. He called on other individuals and organizations to follow suit and contribute to the development of rural communities.
“As a foundation, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and break the cycle of poverty. That is why we will continue to support initiatives that bring quality learning to the doorsteps of every Ghanaian child, no matter where they live,” Mr. Kwafo affirmed.
*Conclusion*
The EKK Foundation’s donation to the pupils of Mirekukrom is a testament to the impact that private organizations can have in supporting government efforts to improve education in underserved areas. By providing crucial supplies and resources, the foundation is helping to ensure that children in rural communities are not left behind.
As Ghana continues to work toward achieving the targets set out in SDG 4, the role of private sector support in complementing government initiatives cannot be overstated. With more philanthropic organizations like the EKK Foundation stepping in, the dream of accessible, equitable, and quality education for all Ghanaians becomes increasingly attainable.
