With Ghana Together’s Maryanne Ward actually in Axim,
and the building finished and ready for students, it was time for a dedication!
We all gathered to celebrate in front of the be-ribboned building..jpg)
The PTA members were seated on the left. The
dignitaries at the head table included James Kainyiah, Chair of Western
Heritage Home; Mrs. Abby, the Headmistress of the school; Mr. Baidoo, the
Municipal Chief Executive;, Queen Mother of Upper Axim; The Rev. George
Abraham, pastor of the St. James Methodist Church; Maryanne Ward of Ghana
Together, and others. The students gathered on the right. All were seated and shaded by canopies.
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The students sang.
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James spoke about the project, the
crucial importance of education, and the role Western Heritage Home is playing
in the Axim community.
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Maryanne spoke briefly, somewhat at a disadvantage because the
electricity failed at the very moment she reached for the microphone. (This is
Ghana where the “lights” are on a lot more than they used to be, but are still
erratic.) That plus the American accent...
Maryanne in one of her dresses received as a gift from local folks.
The guests walked over to the building where Rev.
Abrahas held a scissors. James put his hand on Rev Abraham’s hand, Maryanne’s
came next, and then came the hand of Nana Adjow Sika II and together we cut the
ribbon!
The entire crowd filed in to admire the completed
classrooms. They really do look just splendid! By next morning, the students
were moved in and having classes.
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Mrs. Abby will move her office to the renovated
building, leaving her current office/storage area as a much-needed staff room.
They have been sitting under trees to meet, eat their lunch, etc.
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| The two classrooms house the entire JHS Form 2 class---82 students---who up to now were meeting halfdays only in split shift. Now they will put in a full school days! Shown here are most of the students who took a break from their studies a couple of days after the dedication |
A great day!!
