On Tuesday, 13th February, a rainstorm brought academic activities to a temporary halt at Ahwiaa cluster of schools in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region
The once sturdy roofs of numerous classrooms lay scattered, torn asunder by the ferocious gusts. Within these shattered sanctuaries of learning, the wreckage of educational tools and infrastructure bore witness to the storm’s indiscriminate wrath. Computers lay in disarray, textbooks sodden and torn, while desks and chairs lay strewn amidst the debris.
For the diligent pupils of Ahwiaa, accustomed to the pursuit of knowledge within these hallowed halls, the storm brought an unwelcome disruption. With determination etched upon their faces, they spent precious learning hours salvaging what they could, painstakingly drying dampened books and restoring a semblance of order to their classrooms.
READ ALSO: African Countries With The Best Education System – See Ghana’s Position
Among them, Richlove Sarfo Konadu, a JHS 3 student of Ahwiaa M/A, voiced the collective plea of resilience amidst adversity. “Some of us are preparing to write our Basic Education Certificate Examination, and as such, do not want anything to disrupt our studies. We, therefore, appeal to the government and any benevolent souls to aid in the restoration of our classrooms, ensuring uninterrupted teaching and learning.”
In the wake of the calamity, officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) descended upon the afflicted schools to assess the extent of the devastation. Preliminary estimates painted a grim picture, indicating a staggering need for approximately GHC250,000 to repair the damage inflicted by the tempest’s fury.
The gravity of the situation did not escape the notice of Nana Adu Mensah Asare, the Municipal Director of Education, who expressed profound concern. “It’s very sad because it’s going to deprive affected pupils from accessing their classrooms. Unless we are able to make alternative arrangements for the kids, their academic activities may be disrupted.”
In the face of adversity, the indomitable spirit of the community shines through, as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) mobilizes to ensure the swift resumption of academic activities. Bishop Abraham Osei Sarfo, the PTA chairman, affirmed their commitment to finding solutions. “Whether rain or shine, they will be affected. We will call an emergency PTA meeting to explore avenues of assistance, ensuring that academic work resumes expeditiously.”
As the Ahwiaa community grapples with the aftermath of nature’s fury, the resolute determination to rebuild and revive the bastions of education stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the future generations. Through solidarity and collective effort, they strive to overcome the adversity wrought by the tempest, nurturing the seeds of resilience and hope amidst the ruins.