OKESS PTA Donates GH₵100,000 Worth of Mono Desks to Ease Acute Classroom Furniture Shortage
The Osei Tweretwie Senior High School (OKESS) in Kumasi has received a significant boost to its deteriorating classroom infrastructure following the donation of 500 mono desks valued at GH₵100,000.00 by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The gesture is aimed at easing the severe furniture shortage that has negatively affected teaching and learning in the school.
The donation, presented on Friday, November 29, was led by the PTA’s Deputy Chairman, Hon. Nana Osei Tutu, former Assembly Member for the Atwima Yabi Electoral Area and Otumfuo Sikakua Nifahene. He explained that the intervention was in direct response to an urgent appeal from school authorities to help address the growing furniture deficit.
According to Hon.Nana Osei Tutu, the PTA has over the years remained committed to improving academic standards at OKESS through various support initiatives, including the repair of broken desks, provision of teaching aids, and other logistical interventions. He emphasized that the Association would continue to play its role in ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
Receiving the items, the Headmaster, Mr. Frederick Keelson-Aikins, expressed profound appreciation to the PTA for what he described as a timely and lifesaving intervention. He disclosed that the school’s furniture challenges had reached alarming levels, affecting both teachers and students.
“Our classrooms are almost empty, and the furniture deficit is huge. The way students sit to learn is even shameful to talk about. But this donation will go a long way to improve teaching and learning. On behalf of the Board of Governors, management, teachers, and students, I want to thank the PTA for this wonderful support,” he stated.
Mr. Keelson-Aikins revealed that OKESS is currently struggling to manage its growing student population, with over 2,000 Form One students and more than 1,500 Form Three students. The situation has overstretched existing facilities, resulting in some students learning under uncomfortable and improvised conditions.
He further appealed to old students, parents, benevolent individuals, and corporate bodies to come to the aid of the school, stressing that the challenges extend far beyond classroom furniture.
“We also have serious issues with beds in the dormitories. Some students are sleeping on the floor. Government is doing a lot, but the burden is huge. We need every stakeholder to come on board,” he added.
The Girls’ Prefect of the school, Armah Grace Naa Akweley, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the PTA on behalf of the student body. She called on old students and corporate institutions to emulate the gesture and support the school in addressing the remaining challenges affecting teaching and learning.
The donation is expected to significantly improve classroom conditions and enhance academic work as the school continues to grapple with increasing enrollment numbers.
