The President of Rotary International, Francesco Arezzo, has led a high-powered Rotary delegation to commission a life-changing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project at Brofoyedu M/A School, significantly improving access to safe sanitation and potable water for pupils and staff.
The project, executed by the Rotary Club of Kumasi in collaboration with District 9104, comprises an ultra-modern water closet toilet facility and a mechanized water system designed to provide reliable clean water to the school. The intervention addresses longstanding sanitation challenges that had affected academic activities and the general well-being of learners.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the school premises, was attended by the District 9104 Governor, Nana Yaa Pokuaa Siriboe; senior Rotarians; traditional and community leaders; parents; teachers; and hundreds of pupils. The event marked a major milestone in Rotary’s ongoing commitment to advancing education and community development through sustainable service projects.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Arezzo expressed his delight at witnessing the impact of the local Rotary Clubs’ dedication to service. He emphasized that meaningful and sustainable development is achieved when organizations and communities work hand in hand.
“It is a great pleasure and honour for me to be here today to witness what the local Rotary Clubs have been able to accomplish in this school,” he stated. “I am particularly delighted to be here not only with the Governor and other senior leaders of the District, but also—and most importantly—with the leaders of this community.”
He noted that collaboration and shared ownership are essential ingredients for the success of any development initiative. According to him, projects that are embraced and supported by beneficiary communities create lasting impact and foster a strong sense of responsibility.
Mr. Arezzo also expressed particular joy at the presence of the pupils, describing them as the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of the nation. He reiterated that Rotary’s investment in sanitation and clean water is ultimately an investment in the health, dignity, and academic success of children.
On her part, District Governor Nana Yaa Pokuaa Siriboe explained that the WASH project was initiated following an appeal from the school authorities, who had raised concerns about the lack of adequate toilet facilities and dependable access to clean water. She indicated that the Rotary Club of Kumasi responded swiftly to the urgent need to create a safer and more hygienic learning environment.
According to her, access to quality sanitation and potable water plays a critical role in improving school attendance, reducing water-related diseases, and enhancing overall academic performance. She emphasized that the newly commissioned facilities would promote proper hygiene practices and restore dignity to both pupils and teachers.
Nana Yaa Pokuaa Siriboe urged the school management and the Brofoyedu community to prioritize maintenance and responsible use of the facilities to ensure their sustainability. She stressed that consistent care and community ownership would guarantee that the project serves future generations of learners.
She further disclosed that Rotary remains committed to supporting education in the area and intends to complement the WASH intervention with additional initiatives, including the provision of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes.
Speaking on behalf of the school, the Headmistress of Brofoyedu M/A Junior High School, Mrs. Patient Acquah, expressed profound gratitude to Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Kumasi for what she described as a timely and transformative intervention. She noted that the absence of proper sanitation and water facilities had posed serious challenges to the school, affecting both the comfort of pupils and the smooth delivery of academic activities.
Mrs. Acquah assured the Rotary delegation that the school authorities, in collaboration with community stakeholders, would ensure proper maintenance and management of the facilities to sustain their impact.
The commissioning of the WASH project at Brofoyedu M/A School stands as a testament to Rotary’s enduring commitment to service above self and its strategic focus on improving educational infrastructure, public health, and community well-being.
