MTN Ghana Foundation has built a one-storey boys’ dormitory block valued at GH¢375,000.00 at the Akropong School for The Blind.
The Foundation also used the occasion to cut the sod for the commencement of a 20-seat ICT Centre, expected to be completed in 2013.
MTN Ghana Foundation last year announced a GH¢600,000.00 development package to support the Akropong School for the Blind over a three-year period.
The support package is made up of a one-storey boys’ dormitory valued at GH¢375,000.00, a computer laboratory with 20 desktop computers valued at GH¢139,000.00, and a 33-seat bus at GH¢86,000.00
The CEO of MTN Ghana Mr. Michael Ikpoki, said: “Since the MTN Ghana Foundation was launched in November 2007, we have remained committed to the cause for which we were established, which is identifying and implementing sustainable initiatives that enrich the lives of people in the communities in which we operate. It is our hope that together with the other stakeholders, our contribution towards uplifting the educational standards of this institution will be achieved.”
The Minister of Education, Mr. Lee Ocran who inaugurated the dormitory block said: “Every child has the right to study in a conducive and safe environment, and the provision of such infrastructure is a starting point for attaining quality education. The Government and people of Ghana are highly grateful to MTN for putting up such a magnificent dormitory block for this school.
“The Minister appealed to other individuals, corporate bodies, NGOs and all other stakeholders to emulate the good example of MTN,” he added.
The representative of the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Madam Adriana Kandilige, described MTN Ghana Foundations support as timely and unique. She admonished the school to take good care of the dormitory block.
She said “MTN has invested a lot in this project and we have to ensure that this facility is properly maintained.”
Latex Foam Company donated 150 student mattresses for the students following an appeal from MTN Ghana Foundation to help furnish the dormitory block.
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion were the Board Chairman of the school, Osahene Kwesi Agyeman IV, Krontehene of Akropong; and the Public Relations Manager of Latex Foam, Gifty Asare Ekeocha.
The headmistress of the school, Ms. Mahela Narh, thanked MTN Ghana Foundation for the provision of the dormitory block and hoped for successful completion of other projects the Foundation has committed to.
The project was initiated following a visit by some MTN staff volunteers to the school during an annual employee volunteering community programme dubbed “21 Days of Yello care”. During the visit, MTN staff interacted with students and staff of the school and identified these challenges.
MTN Ghana Foundation has since 2007 invested about GH¢7million in community development projects. Out of this amount, the Foundation has spent over GH¢4.7million in the provision of educational facilities such as classroom blocks, teaching and learning materials among other facilities throughout the country.
The most recent of these facilities include the provision of library books, laboratory equipment, sports-kits, street lights and a 12-seater toilet facility for Tamale Senior High School. This also includes a modern library facility for the Tsito Senior High Technical School and a 3-unit classroom block for the Akatsi ARS Basic School. A 4-unit classroom, store and office have also been completed for Obeyeyie Anglican Basic School near Amasaman.
