Former First Lady gifts Achimota Basic School modern library
Former First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has handed over a modern 100-seater library to the Achimota Basic School in Accra.
The library, furnished with hard copy books, e-books, computers and internet access, is aimed at building the reading skills of learners of the school.
Built through the former First Lady’s Rebecca Foundation with support from the Old Students Association of the school (Akoretts), it was in fulfilment of a promise she made to the school during its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2019, after the school authorities had appealed to her for the establishment of a new and modern library.
Mrs Akufo-Addo, herself an Akorette, said it was her way of giving back to the school what she gained from it decades ago.
The former First Lady has earlier helped in the refurbishment of the school's dining hall.
However, she said, “this library is more than a room with books and computers. It is a place of possibility.
A place of new ideas.
A place where a precious child’s future is formed”.
She charged the learners that “these computers can connect you to new ideas.
These books can take you to new places.
This library can open new doors in your mind and your future.
But you must play your part. Be curious.
Be committed. Be ready to learn. Come here to read.
Come here to explore. Make this library your second home.
Don't let the books sleep.
Don't let the computers sit still.
They belong to you; use them well,” she said.
Legacy
The Okaikwei Municipal Director of Education, Cynthia Aboni, said the library would forever transform the learning landscape in the municipality.
She praised the former First Lady for her legacy in education, health and child development.
The Headmistress, Edith Naa Dedei Kyeremateng, who expressed gratitude to the former First Lady for the facility, promised to put it to good use to the benefit of the children.
According to her, the facility would impact the lives of the over 4,000 learners in the vicinity of the library, and thanked the First Lady for the gesture.
The President of the Achimota Primary Basic School past learners association (Akoretts), David Osei Amankwah, said the facility would be a beacon of knowledge and hope for the children.
He extended his most profound appreciation to the former First Lady for her generosity, saying her patience, advocacy and generosity would inspire the young ones in future.
The Assistant Girls Prefect of the school, Seanna Curtia Aryeetey, also expressed the school’s appreciation to the former First Lady, and assured her that they would put the library to good use.
“We will use it to help defeat the misconception that, if you want to hide something from the black man, put it in a book,” she said.
The management of the school presented a citation to the former First Lady for her continuos support to the school.
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