A United States-based Ghanaian retired mathematics teacher and philanthropist, Samuel Quansah Quarcoo, has donated teaching and learning materials worth US$38,000 to four basic schools in Accra to help improve the quality of education.
The beneficiary schools are Odorkor Saleria Basic School '2', Emmaus Methodist Model Basic School at Awoshie, Korle Gonno R/C Boys Basic School, and Westside School.
The items presented included television sets, exercise books, notebooks, school bags, attendance registers, assessment sheets, mathematical sets, pens, pencils, A4 sheets and other educational materials aimed at enhancing teaching and learning.
According to Mr Quarcoo, the initiative began after he was invited to speak at one of the schools and witnessed the challenges facing pupils and teachers. Since then, with support from other benevolent families in the United States, he has been donating educational materials to schools for more than three years.
Speaking to the media at Odorkor Saleria Basic School, Mr Quarcoo stressed the need for Ghanaian schools to embrace technology by ensuring every child has access to a computer.
"The main thing that we are stressing right now is technological education for each school to be computer equipped, like in the US where we have schools where every child has a computer to learn with. Here we only have a computer lab for the children to go and learn. What about if we have a situation where every child has a computer? Even some teachers don't have computers to use. Those are some of the technological gaps we have in the system. If we can address them, we will go a whole lot further."
At Emmaus Methodist Model Basic School, Mr Quarcoo was presented with a citation of honour in recognition of his continuous support for the school over the years. Addressing the students, he encouraged them to remain focused on their education and use social media and artificial intelligence responsibly.
"The key of our presentation is to convince the kids that they must stay focused because technology is everywhere. We are advising them to use technology wisely instead of spending too much time on social media. Technology should help them learn and do research. With artificial intelligence, students should not copy answers blindly. They must always read carefully and verify the information they receive. Staying focused is very important."
The Headmistress of Emmaus Methodist Model Basic School, Esi Kudjo, expressed appreciation for the donation but appealed for additional support to address the school's infrastructure challenges. "What we need most is furniture for our classrooms, and our school building is still incomplete. If our benefactors can help us complete the building, we will be very grateful."
Mr Quarcoo also donated learning materials to Korle Gonno R/C Boys Basic School, where he was once a pupil. During his visit, he expressed concern over the deteriorating state of the school's infrastructure, saying little had changed since he attended the school in 1963.
The school building showed visible signs of deterioration, including damaged ceilings, worn-out roofing structures, broken windows and an unfenced compound that allows unrestricted access by intruders.
"All schools need improvement, and if you look at the infrastructure here, you will see that some of the old structures are still standing. They need refurbishment. I hope the authorities and the community will come together to help improve the school. The children are doing well, and thankfully they still have classrooms, but there is still a lot of room for improvement."
The Assistant Headteacher of the school, James Amarkai Amarfio, said the school had repeatedly appealed for assistance but had received little support. He called on individuals and organisations to help construct a perimeter wall to improve security and protect school property.
"I appeal to donors to help us construct a wall around the school to stop unauthorised access, vandalism and other activities that disrupt teaching and learning. Our pupils also face sanitation challenges because people dump waste and cattle roam around the school compound. Despite these challenges, our football team continues to excel, so we also need support to develop their talent. I also appeal to donors to motivate our teachers."
Ending the first phase of the donation exercise at Westside School, Mr Quarcoo said his support would not be limited to schools in Accra. He announced plans to extend the initiative to schools in other regions, particularly those in rural communities, where educational needs are even greater. He also urged Ghanaians in the diaspora and other philanthropists to contribute towards improving education, noting that government alone cannot meet every need.
"Schools in the city are a little better structured than those in the remote areas. On my next trip, we hope to visit schools in those communities because they also need help. We cannot expect the government to do everything. As individuals, we can support what government is doing. I also encourage our friends in the diaspora to visit their hometown schools and see how they can help improve education."
The heads of the beneficiary schools expressed gratitude to Mr Quarcoo and his partners for the timely intervention, describing the donation as a major boost to teaching and learning. They, however, appealed for continued support to address the infrastructure and logistical challenges confronting their schools.
