By Nicholas Osei-Wusu
Reverend Father Philip Agyei, has handed over a newly built six-classroom block with an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Centre, a Library, Offices, and a Store to the Mampong Municipal Educational Directorate in the Ashanti region.
The newly constructed classroom block was financed by the Parishners of the Spires of Faith Cluster of Dyersville in Iowa of the United States through an appeal by Reverend Father Philip Agyei as part of activities marking his 10th memorial anniversary of priesthood.
Addressing the gathering at the commissioning and handing over ceremony at Hwidiem in the Mampong Municipality, Rev. Fr. Agyei explained that his gesture to seek support to build a new classroom block to replace the dilapidated structure built in 1977 was a way to give back to his alma mater in appreciation for how far he has come in life.
“As many of you know, I had the honour of attending school here and it was within these very walls that I received the foundation that helped shape me into the person I am today. Today, as a priest and a member of this community, it is my turn to give back,” he said.
The Mampong Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Prince Owusu-Ansah, in his address emphasised that quality formal education remains the cornerstone of any thriving society, especially Ghana.
According to him, through education, young minds are empowered, and potential leaders are nurtured while paving the way for a brighter tomorrow, for which all stakeholders must contribute their quota towards providing the most conducive environment for teaching and learning to thrive.
The Mampong Municipal Director of Education described the new school block as more than mortar and brick since it represents hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for the children.
“Today, we take an important step towards enhancing the educational experiences of our learners, and this new building is a testament to our commitment to this cause. The school building is more than just bricks and mortar; it represents hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for our children,” he asserted.
Mr. Owusu-Ansah asked for a closer partnership among the traditional authorities, community leaders, and teachers to periodically inspect the structure and the premises to identify issues for prompt maintenance to keep the school block for many years to serve the donors’ intention of providing a congenial environment for quality teaching and learning for the desired outcomes.
“Permit me to make this clarion call to our community leaders, teachers, learners, and all those who matter to ensure that these facilities serve our community for many years to come.
I urge everyone to take good care of the building. Implement security measures to prevent vandalism and writing on the walls by children,” he reiterated.
On his part, the Assembly Member for the Nintin Electoral Area, Mr. Nicholas Osei-Wusu, said he secured enough age-appropriate desks from the Mampong Municipal Assembly for all the new classrooms to allow for academic work to take place.
The Chief of Hwidiem, Nana Omono Asamoah Agyekumhene, commending Rev. Fr. Agyei and his benefactors for the enormous support, announced a decision by the community to rename the school after Francis Xavier in appreciation to the donors.
“The new facilities stand as a testament to your commitment to the betterment of our community, and for this, we are eternally grateful. Your recognition of your profound impact and in honour of our shared values, my kinsmen and I have resolutely decided to give the stewardship of Hwidiem M/A Basic School to the Catholic Church,” he announced.
In further appreciation of his gesture, the Hwidiemhene and queen’s mother presented documents covering one building plot to Rev. Fr. Agyei for his good intentions for the development of the community.
They also presented a plaque and citation to him and also to the benefactors in the USA for their generosity.
According to teachers, the old dilapidated structure built in 1977 had some of its classrooms shared by different classes and had never seen any maintenance since its establishment.
They complained that the nature of the building became a major disincentive to school enrolment, attendance, teaching, and learning.
