GETfund rescues Mangoase SHS
The issue of infrastructural deficit has become a great set-back for the students and teachers of Mangoase Senior High School (SHS) in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region, and is creating an unfavorable environment for quality teaching and learning.
The plight of the authorities of the school came to light when it was reported by the media that the Headmaster was sharing his bungalow with the girls of the school, forcing parents who have their children in the school to demand immediate answers.
Meanwhile, there are ongoing infrastructural projects funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETfund) to alleviate their plight.
Conducting the Eastern File round the compound to point out some of the GETfund projects, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman, Mr. Victor Doku, said he was shocked over the media report, considering the level of commitment shown by the GETfund in addressing the infrastructure challenges of the school.
According to him, even though it was true that the Headmaster was sharing his bungalow with the girls, it would also be prudent if the media had published the positive things happening in the school.
He disclosed that an infrastructural project such as construction of a 12 unit-two storey building classroom block was on-going, and was expected to be completed by the end of May, this year.
He further stated that two separate 6-unit-classroom blocks, which were started in February last year and expected to be completed in eight months time, as well as boys’ and girls’ dormitory, are ongoing.
A visit to the school revealed that the girls’ dormitory was currently underway, and was at the foundation level, whist that of the boys was yet to take off.
It is believed that the various projects, when completed, would go a long way to help curb the serious infrastructural problems of the school, as well as provide a suitable learning and teaching atmosphere for both students and teachers.
The water problem of the school would be a thing of the past in the coming days, following the collaboration between the PTA and the assembly to construct two boreholes.
Even before that was done, the PTA had purchased water pump machine and 10-litre polytank to store and supply water to the students to help reduce the stress they go through in search of water.
He revealed that the school, which has been receiving a lot of assistance from the GETfund, Ghana Education Service (GES), Akuapim North District Assembly, and the Ministry of Education, was also committed to working closely with them to ensure the speedy completion of projects in the school for the benefit of the students, teachers and other staff.
He added that more projects had been earmarked for the school, but the acquisition of land has been a major challenge, and therefore, the PTA was negotiating with the various land owners to acquire additional land for the school.
The Headmaster of the school, Mr. Albert Wofa, explained: “I thought it as a matter of sacrifice to share my bungalow with the students, since the number had increased, and there were no alternatives.”
He added: “There was no cause for alarm, since it was neither my desire to allow the female students into my bungalow,” which has created inconveniences for him and the students, adding that the construction of the girls’ dormitory would help correct the situation.
He urged parents, during the PTA meeting, to be calm, and assured them of the speedy completion of the various projects in the school, which would help remedy the situation.
However, the Mangoase Senior High School currently has 916 students, made up of 489 boys and 427 girls, and offered programmes like Agriculture, General Arts, Home Economics and Business Accounting-option among others.
Out of the 170 students presented for the 2011 WASSCE,78 passed all the eight subjects,73 in seven subjects,17 in six subjects, and one in five subjects.
Short URL: http://thechronicle.com.gh/?p=43448