By Elizabeth PUNSU
Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG) has reiterated its commitment to supporting community development, education and sustainability by donating 30 computers and refurbishing three schools in the Sekyere South district of Ashanti Region.
This is under the bank’s three core pillars of corporate social responsibility (CSR): namely health, community development and education.
The schools include Agona S.D.A JHS, Bipoa S.D.A JHS and Bedomase Basic School – who all received 10 desktop computers each. All three schools were given needed facelifts such as painting, electrical and tiling works, and had their Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) laboratories refurbished.
Prior to the donations, all three schools did not have computers for their practical ICT lessons. This had become a challenge to both pupils and teachers. However, through the efforts of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Gyasiwaa Education Support, CBG management got to know of the schools’ plight; hence their swift response to assisting the schools with desktop computers etc.
As an indigenous bank with about 114 branches nationwide, CBG has shown commitment to their needs and welfare while making meaningful impacts in the lives of its stakeholders- especially those in communities where it operates.
Speaking at a ceremony to present the computers and refurbished ICT laboratories to the schools, Managing Director (MD)-CBG Ghana, Daniel Addo, said they are to help bridge the gap and empower students with tools they need to succeed in the world of technology -since access to computers has become a vital necessity in this digital age.
He expressed belief that improvements in the various ICT labs will transform the students’ educational experience in all three schools.
“At CBG, we firmly believe that education is the foundation of any thriving society and we are committed to supporting initiatives that foster growth and development. Together, we can create lasting change; and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have on pupils and the broader community,” Mr. Addo said.
He then commended Gyasiwaa Education Support for their invaluable role in identifying the schools and ensuring that CBG’s efforts will have greatest impact where it is needed the most.
Head of Schools Inspectorate Division, Sekyere South District, Andrews Osei Twumasi expressed appreciation to CBG for the gesture and further tasked headteachers of the various schools to practice a proper maintenance culture for the computers to last.
He further encouraged pupils to take their academic work seriously and make the most of the computers to boost their skills.
Headteacher, Bipoa SDA JHS, Desmond Kwadwo Mensah – speaking on behalf of the three basic schools’ headteachers – also expressed happiness for the gesture shown to them. He further called on other philanthropists to come to these schools aid, as they still have other pertinent issues which need to be addressed as soon as possible – so that both teachers and pupils in the schools will have a conducive teaching and learning environment.