Students at the Akropong School for the Blind in the Eastern Region can heave a sigh of relief as the long-standing issue of the leaking dining hall has finally been resolved.
Gone were the days when they had to endure being soaked whenever rain poured down during mealtimes.
This crucial improvement in the school’s infrastructure comes as a beacon of hope for students and school Management alike.
While the dining hall renovation marks a significant milestone, Headmistress of the School, Veronica Derry sheds light on the pressing need for further renovations across the school’s facilities.
Established in 1945, the Akropong School for the Blind has served as a haven for countless students, empowering them with essential skills despite their disabilities.
However, the passage of time has taken its toll on existing infrastructure, revealing signs of wear and tear in the aging classrooms, the library, and administrative buildings.
Headmistress Veronica Derry said efforts to secure assistance from organizations, did not receive the necessary support.
Fortunately, the school’s pleas did not fall on deaf ears. Through the generosity of the Okwapeman Fekuw based in Chicago, Illinois in the USA, the dining hall received the much-needed attention it deserved.
With a new roof and renovations, students can now enjoy their meals without the fear of rainwater leaking in.
The Headmistress expressed immense gratitude to the Okwapeman Fekuw, emphasizing the pivotal role they played in addressing the school’s urgent needs.
She recalls the apprehension students once felt, avoiding the dining hall during rainfall, and compared it with the newfound sense of security brought about by the renovations.
“Before, the students feared going to the dining hall when it rains, because it leaked. I am soo much relieved now, thanks to Okwapeman Fekuw ”
Kwabena Yeboah Mireku, the Financial Secretary of the Okwapeman Fekuw, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Akropong School for the Blind. For them, ensuring that disabled students have access to a conducive learning environment is not just a duty but a moral imperative.
He pledged continued assistance to future projects, and recognised the transformative impact it can have on the students’ lives.
“They need our support to thrive through regardless of their disability. We will not relent on our support to them on other projects that need to be worked on,” he assured.
The Akwapem North Municipal Chief Executive, Barima Asiedu Larbi, commended the Okwapeman Fekuw for their invaluable contribution.
He emphasized the importance of inclusive education and called upon parents and the citizenry to embrace inclusivity, fostering an environment free from discrimination against children with disabilities.
In his view, the collaboration between the Okwapeman Fekuw and the government exemplifies the collective responsibility towards nurturing the nation’s human capital.
The renovation of the Akropong School for the Blind’s dining hall serves as a testament to community-driven initiatives in addressing pressing challenges.
By Yvonne Neequaye
