News
4 schools benefit from ICI, Nestle, ETG Beyond Beans project in cocoa c’nities
Four schools in cocoa growing communities in the Ashanti Region have benefited from new infrastructure through the efforts of the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), in partnership with Nestle and ETG/Beyond Beans.
The project is to enhance students’ access to quality education and provide water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
At Ntinanko R/C ‘A’ Basic School in the Bekwai Municipality, a new three-classroom block was commissioned, furnished with 120 mono desks, four teachers’ tables and chairs, office, storeroom, and staff common room.
The school also received a five-seater water closet (WC) and a mechanised borehole with overhead tank.
Similarly, Pewodie D/A Basic School in the Adansi North District had a three-unit KG/ Nursery and office renovated and furnished.
The school received 100 tables and chairs each for the KG, three cupboards, four tables, and eight chairs for teachers, as well as a four-seater WC toilet and mechanised borehole with overhead tanks.
Agogooso D/A Basic School in the Adansi North District also benefited from the project, with a two-unit classroom block and office refurbished and furnished.
It received a five-seater WC toilet, mechanised borehole with overhead tank, and 50 tables and chairs.
Agyeikrom D/A Basic School received a refurbished three-unit classroom block, furnished with 80 mono desks and three sets of teachers’ tables and chairs.
The project was implemented by the ICI and funded by Nestle through the Nestle Cocoa Plan. The plan aims to improve cocoa farmers’ livelihoods, ensure long-term sustainability of cocoa farming, and promote responsible cocoa sourcing.
Ms. Salome Azevedo, Nestle’s Central and West Africa Business Executive Officer, stressed Nestle’s commitment to the well-being of communities linked to their operations.
“We are committed to enhancing the well-being of communities directly linked to our operations. We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of the farmers who supply us with the finest cocoa for our production”, she mentioned.
Ms Azevedo urged the pupils to make the most of the upgraded school environment, complete with improved WASH facilities, and fully dedicate themselves to their studies.
Mr Mike Arthur, Country Director of the ICI, noted that the initiative was an example of how to reduce child labour and poverty in cocoa growing communities.
Mrs Leticia Obeng, Bekwai Municipal Education Director, praised the initiators of the project and pledged to ensure the facilities would be highly maintained.
Mr. Stephen Kofi Akomaning, Head teacher at Ntinanko R/C Basic School, expressed appreciation to the initiators of the project and also promised to see to the maintenance of the facility.
Mr. Charles Ofosu Ansong, Project Manager, ICI, noted that research has shown that the presence of schools in cocoa growing areas has significantly increased school enrolment and reduced child labour.
From Kingsley E. Hope,
Kumasi