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On Wednesday, 22 April 2021, HBC Promised Ghana, LBG (HBCPG) a registered non-governmental organization in Ghana with a specific mission to develop programs and services responsive to the educational and capacity building needs of individuals, communities and organizations in Ghana made the first ever donation to the 31st December Kindergarten and Primary School in the Salaga Municipality of the East Gonja District (Savannah Region).

The school was one of the 870 pre-schools established by Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, wife of His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, President of the Republic of Ghana to stir up interest for the accomplishment of child development and family planning.

HBC Promised Ghana, LBG’s visit was based on an Internet search and data provided by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), which captured the East Gonja District to be one of the poorest districts in Ghana, in which the Salaga community is located.

Leadership of HBCPG embarked on a three-day tour to the East Gonja District, precisely Salaga to learn more about the community and see how to help in one way or the other. Salaga served as a key market town for the busy regional kola trade during the 18th and 19th Centuries, and due to its busy nature was overturned to a market where slaves were transported to the coast for export during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

It was revealed that students and teachers from 31st December Kindergarten and Primary School have to sit under trees for shelter and study due to the deficiency of classroom space that is not enough to accommodate all the students. Classes and schools are forced to close whenever rain or the heat from the sun becomes overwhelming. There are instances when downpours come suddenly, which at times can destroy materials (i.e., books, writing utensils, etc.) thus interrupting education.

Observation highly noted the community has the zeal and understand the value and importance of education, however necessities as simple as classroom facilities are missing. A high level of excitement was evident in the actions and on the faces of the teachers and students when receiving the donated materials from HBCPG. The donated materials will help make learning and teaching easy and smooth for those in the Salaga Community.

In this view, HBC Promised Ghana LBG through its iPromisedGhana Initiative, as part of the great works the organization does in different Regions of the country, has decided to adopt 31st December Kindergarten and Primary School as one of its 2021/2022 projects. One of its main goals will be to complete a 12-year abandoned classroom facility and dig a bore hole for clean water to be accessed by students, teachers and staff. Currently, estimates and architectural plans are being identified and developed by the Municipality for presentation to HBCPG.

Key Leaders from the Ghana Education Service were present at the school to receive donations on behalf of the staff and students of the 31st December Kindergarten and Primary School. In particular, Mrs. Christiana Maabo Donzun (Municipal Director); Mr. Braimah Mahama(Assistant Director, Financial and Administration); Mr. Kawuribi Adams (Assistant Director,
Supervision); Mr. Ebenezer Bonzali (Public Relations Officer); Mr. Mahama (Headmaster) and the staff of the school including as well as Mr. Alhaji Digi (P.T.A Chairman) were all there to receive the donated materials. HBC Promised Ghana, LBG officials present were Mr. LaMont “Montee” Evans (President/Chief Executive Officer) and Mr. Francis Osei Sarpong (Ghana Country Director).

According to the School’s PTA Chairman, this was a historical quest as no entity had ever made a contribution or donation of its kind according to Mr. Alhaji Digi – PTA Chairman. “I believe we have a responsibility as members of the Diaspora who have set up NGOs within Ghana to bring education materials and resources that will help repair some of the damage caused by poverty. Salaga, which is a part of the East Gonja District in the Savannah Region is documented as the poorest village in Ghana. We have to help restore hope and resilience where there seems to be little or none.” – says LaMont “Montee” Evans, HBCPG President/CEO.

For more information about HBCPG, please visit www.HBCPromisedGhana.org and to learn about the Salaga Initiaitve, visit www.iPromisedGhana.org
You can contact HBCPG via phone (024-711-0492) or email ([email protected]) for questions on how you can help make Salaga better or general inquiries.