Drilling for Hope commissions four boreholes for needy schools

Drilling for Hope, in partnership with the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET), at the weekend commissioned four hand pump boreholes for four needy schools in four districts in the Upper East Region.

The beneficiary schools included Winkogo Junior High School in Talensi, Nayorigo Primary School in Bongo, and two other schools in Zebilla in the Bawku West and the Garu District respectively.

The initiative formed part of Drilling for Hope’s efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and promote effective teaching and learning in deprived communities in Ghana.

Ms Karen Flewelling, Founder of Drilling for Hope, speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Winkogo JHS, said it was her wish to see children in Ghana having access to potable drinking water.

“We have so far constructed 38 boreholes in Ghana, and our joy is for the beneficiaries to take good care of them so they can serve generations. Good drinking water is important, and we basically need water to live, and I am happy that I can bring clean water to children and their schools,” she stated.

Ms Flewelling added that Drilling for Hope was also committed to funding higher education for girls, noting that several graduates supported by the organization were already working in Ghana, with two currently in medical school and others pursuing degrees in teaching and nursing.

She emphasised that this was her seventh visit to Ghana, during which the organization had also supported school supplies, livestock, and scholarships for young women.

Mrs Jennifer Akomanyi, Headmistress of Winkogo JHS, described the intervention as historic, noting that the school had been without water for more than 60 years.

She said: “Our faces are beaming with smiles because water is now flowing on the premises. Before, children had to trek long distances to fetch water, often missing lessons and compromising hygiene practices.

Today, we are relieved, and the water will benefit both our academic work and our school garden.”

Mr Edward Azuah Akolgo, the Assembly Member for the Winkogo Electoral Area, said aside the pupils, the borehole will also benefit the immediate community.

He pledged commitment for the maintenance of the borehole.

Mr John Millim Nabwomyain the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Talensi, commended Drilling for Hope and GAPNET for the intervention, describing it as a timely response to the water challenges of needy schools.

“This borehole will ensure pupils spend more time in the classroom and practice proper hygiene. It is a gift that will continue to serve generations,” he said, and gave an assurance that the Assembly would continue to work with development partners to meet community needs.

At a separate ceremony at the Nayorigo Primary School, Mr Moses Akuribire Atengane, Headteacher of the School, said access to water had long hindered effective teaching and learning.

He said: “For several years, pupils depended on the community to fetch water, sometimes walking over three kilometers to access water and returning only when school was closing. This borehole is a great relief, and we are grateful to Drilling for Hope and GAPNET.

“We still need support with desks, reading materials, and other facilities to improve learning and are appealing for any support.”

Mr Joseph Akaseke Abaa, the Bongo District Chief Executive, also expressed gratitude to Drilling for Hope and GAPNET, noting that the intervention would not only enhance teaching and learning but also improve the health and wellbeing of pupils and their families.

As part of its efforts to empower women, Drilling for Hope also handed over 10 goats to 10 women in the Winkogo community.

Each beneficiary is expected to pass on the first offspring of their goat to another woman in the community.

Source: GNA