Bishop Bowers School launches golden jubilee

Bishop Bowers School at Laterbiokorshie in Accra has launched its 50th anniversary celebration with a call on schools to embrace a holistic education that will imbibe good moral values such as integrity, love and service among children.

This will help produce well-rounded citizens who can contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.

The Archdiocesan Education Committee (AEC) Chairman, Very Rev. Fr George Appah, the guest speaker, explained that a holistic education was one that was not just focused on building the intellect but one that character formation was at the core of a child’s development.

“Education is not merely the transfer of knowledge but nurturing of the soul, shaping learners to live with integrity,” he stressed.

Launch

The anniversary, launched on the theme, :“50 years of holistic Catholic education, the story of Bishop Bowers School”  was attended by the alumni, past and present head teachers, some clergy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, reverend sisters together with some parents of the school.

Activities outlined for the golden jubilee of the Bishop Bowers include a candle light procession and homecoming, a cleanup exercise, a health walk and screening, an inter schools quiz contest among sister schools, dinner, a grand durbar and a Thanksgiving Mass.

Very Rev. Appah noted that the central purpose of a holistic education was to churn out individuals with a strong and upright character, adding that it was crucial in moulding learners who did not only excel academically but also make positive impact on the world around them.

“It is not enough for learners to acquire facts and figures but uphold values to know that ‘galamsey’ is a crime to humanity,” he stated.

Very Rev. Appah, therefore, lauded Bishop Bowers School for constantly upholding its core mandate of preparing students for academic excellence, spiritual growth and social responsibility.

“ Over the years, the school’s emphasis on character formation alongside intellectual development has distinguished it as an exemplary model of Catholic education in Ghana.

It has grown into an institution that stands as a beacon of hope for learners and families alike,” he noted.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Very Rev. Fr Raymond Osei Tutu, who represented the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John  Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, applauded the school for its commitment to promoting a holistic Catholic education over the last 50 years.

“I urge all stakeholders to work together to maintain the Catholic teachings and learning experiences to shape children who are faced with a world of boundless challenges,” he said.

Success story

The Headmistress of the school, Sister Matilda Quist SSpS recounted events that led to the establishment of the school, noting that the school, which was founded by the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) had had competent and energetic heads and assistant headmistresses who had laid solid foundation on which the school had thrived.

“In 1975, Sister Virginalis Heidjen together with five dedicated teachers and two office staff made a courageous move from St Theresa’s School in North Kaneshie to Lartebiokorshie, laying the foundation for what would become a nurturing haven for countless yound minds,” she said.

She, therefore, thanked old and current staff, alumni, parents for their remarkable contributions to the school over the years.

Anniversary logo

The Local Manager of the school, Rev. Fr Charles Francis Ackon, led some dignitaries to unveil the anniversary cloth, logo and cut the anniversary cake while some invited guests popped the champagne.

The anniversary Planning Committee Chairperson, Frederick Pokoo-Aikins called for support to ensure a successful anniversary.

The Chief Finance Officer of MTN,  Antionette Kwofie, an alumnus of the school, who was the chairperson for the occasion, urged old students to give back to the school by funding the activities of the school or incorporating initiatives and driving innovation to prepare students for the world of work.

During the event, the 2012 year group donated seven water dispensers to the school as schoolchildren thrilled invited guests with a spectacular display of performances including song ministrations, cultural and cadet displays, among others.