The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Mochizuki Hisanobu, has officially inaugurated a classroom project for Sanchiga M/A Primary School in Wa Municipal of the Upper West Region.
“Today, we celebrate the power of education, the power of collaboration and the power of dreams,” stated Ambassador Mochizuki.
The project, funded by the Japanese Embassy through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) Scheme, allocated approximately US$92,000 to address the challenges faced by Sanchiga Primary School.
Abdul Rahman Moomin, Executive Director-LifeCare Ghana, shared his story of how the project came to fruition. “The whole story of the block started upon the community people’s realisation that the children were in dire need of a decent learning environment,” he explained.
LifeCare Ghana, collaborating with stakeholders like the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), School Management Committee (SMC), Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Wa Municipal Assembly, submitted an application for support to the Japanese Embassy in Ghana.
The Ambassador, during the inauguration ceremony, expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts. “I am proud to see the fruition of our collaborative efforts in providing a conducive learning environment for the future leaders of this community.”
After its creation in 2009, using temporary buildings constructed from local resources, Sanchiga Primary School suffered structural deterioration. Both pupils’ and teachers’ lives are in danger due to dangerous surroundings and inadequate classroom space. Since the overcrowded classrooms did not fit typical primary school room dimensions, multi-grade teaching was implemented – which further complicated learning.
Ankibu Faisal, Headteacher of Sanchiga Primary, described the challenging conditions students endured. He mentioned how the improvised structures made from local bricks provided insufficient space, leading to unbearable heat – especially during hot season. The lack of proper facilities forced classes to move outdoors under trees after noon.
Issahaku Moomin Tahiru, Wa Municipal Chief Executive, echoed the project’s significance: “Education is the bedrock upon which societies are built, and access to quality educational facilities is crucial to nurturing young minds and empowering them to reach their full potential,” he emphasised.
The project includes a 6-unit classroom block with a fully-furnished library, a headteacher’s office and a storeroom. Ancillary facilities provided are 120 classroom chairs and desks, 6 sets of teachers’ tables and chairs, a mechanised borehole and a 4-seat biodigester-engineered toilet facility.
In his closing remarks, Executive Director-LifeCare, Abdul Rahman Moomin expressed gratitude to the Japanese Embassy for improving education in Sanchiga. “After today, the problems of 80 children attending Sanchiga Primary School will cease being a challenge,” he assured.
The inauguration ceremony not only marked the completion of a physical structure but also symbolised a commitment to the educational journey of Sanchiga – promising a brighter future for the children of this small community in Upper West Region.
