Reverend Eastwood Anaba, founder and president of the Eastwood Anaba Ministry (EAM), has refurbished Abibila No. 1 Junior High School. The initiative gained momentum when Reverend Mrs. Rosemond Anaba, vice president of EAM, led a delegation to the school to donate items such as stationery, office furniture, whiteboards, sports equipment, and other materials. During her visit, she discovered significant structural and non-structural cracks in the school block, including settlement, shear, foundation, drying, and shrinkage cracks.
Pastor Christopher Issaka, chairman of the project committee, noted that these defects undermined the structural integrity of the building, posing a danger to the staff and students. In response, Reverend Anaba acted swiftly, instructing the ministry’s project team to prioritize the renovation.
The renovation aimed to improve the school’s structural integrity and enhance the learning environment for both staff and students. Key improvements included upgrading the classroom, demolition, and replacement of weak walls and columns
Flooring for classrooms and staff common room,installation of ceilings and ceiling fans, modern lighting for a comfortable learning space, installation of wooden and metallic doors and windows, as well as burglar-proofing on the veranda, new metallic gates for enhanced security.
Additionally, ramps and stairs were added to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. The project provided 120 metallic student desks, significantly improving student comfort. The total cost of the refurbishment was GH₵220,810.
Pastor Dr. James Azanlerigo, in charge of Administration and Human Resources, highlighted that the school, established in 1974 as Abibila Middle School and now known as Abibila No. 1 JHS has shaped countless minds over the years. He expressed gratitude to Reverend Eastwood Anaba and Reverend Mrs. Rosemond Anaba, for their unwavering support, emphasizing that this renovation reflects the power of giving back to society.
The headmistress of Abibila No. 1 JHS expressed her appreciation for the ministry’s contributions, noting that student enrollment had surged from 19 in 2020 to 107. The school also won two trophies during inter-school sports competitions, thanks to newly acquired sports equipment and training.
However, she lamented issues such as the invasion of narcotics users on school premises due to a lack of fencing, leading to theft and other disturbances. Encroachment on school land has also become a significant problem, with the park being misused for various activities.
Awini Blessing Afia, a student, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the renovation, acknowledging EAM’s commitment to community development and education. She emphasized that the new learning environment is safe, comfortable, and conducive to excellence.
In her message, she stated, “Your kindness resonates beyond these walls. You have not only restored a building but have also strengthened dreams and nurtured aspirations. We promise to honour your gifts by working hard and making a positive impact in our community.”
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo.