ATIABS Observes “Fruit Day” as Part of Nutrition Friendly School Initiative

 Pupils showcasing their fruits 

Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School (ATIABS) in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region has observed its inaugural “Fruit Day” on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The event marked the school’s recent inclusion in the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative (NFSI), a programme crafted to promote healthy eating habits, sanitation and physical activity within a safe schoo environment.

“Fruit Day” is part of the NFSI, a collaborative effort led by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ghana Education Service (GES) with additional support from the Government of Norway. The initiative aims to cultivate healthy nutrition practices, enhance hygiene and sanitation, and encourage physical activities among pupils in participating schools across the country.

Mr. Eshun addressing pupils on "Fruit Day"

During the event, Mr. George Eshun, the School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator for Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, outlined the various components of the NFSI that will be rolled out in the school. These include, Fruit and Vegetable Day, Health Inspection Day, General Cleaning of School Compounds, Physical Activity Day, Girls’ Iron and Folic Acid Tablet Supplementation, Nutrition Education and the SMART School Initiative. One of the innovative policies crafted by the school to dovetail into this initiative is the “Operation Plant a Fruit,” which seeks to encourage the cultivation of home-grown fruits. This initiative which is set to be rolled out on Thursday, October 17, 2014, is designed to boost pupils’ fruit consumption within a purely organic environment while alleviating the financial burden of purchasing fruits.

In his address to pupils and teachers, Mr. Eshun emphasised the numerous health benefits of eating fruits, including serving as a catalyst in digestion, promoting skin health, providing protection against cancer and other diseases and facilitating wound healing. He encouraged pupils to adopt the habit of eating fruits daily underscoring the importance of personal hygiene practices such as proper handwashing with soap under running water and washing fruits before consumption.

Mr. Eshun also urged teachers to foster a supportive environment for these practices and to promote the principles of the NFSI, ensuring the programme’s successful implementation in the school.

A section of teachers eating watermelon on fruit day

“The observation of “Fruit Day” will be regularly done to foster a culture of healthy living and eating balance meals among pupils of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School and participants of the Nutrition Friendly School Initiative”, he stressed.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

A Desperate Plea: Life-Threatening Condition Struggles of Basic 7 Pupil at Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School

Collins Entsir

Collins Entsir, a 15-year-old pupil of Attakwaa T. I. Ahmadiyya Basic School in the Ekumfi District of Ghana, has spent over a decade grappling with a life-threatening condition that remains shrouded in mystery. His eyes have transformed from their natural state to a deep yellowish hue, and his once-robust physique now conceals a protruding stomach. The condition has cast a shadow over his academic potential, leaving him struggling in his studies.

From the age of one, Collins' mother, Madam Halima Esi Tawiah, noticed an unsettling change in her son's appearance, a change that would lead her to seek medical attention and even explore traditional remedies. At one point, he was diagnosed with anemia, and a regimen of medication was prescribed. Yet, the improvement was minimal, and the family's anguish persisted.

It was only when a local remedy, derived from boiling the scales of herrings, was introduced that they observed any significant change. Despite their limited financial means, the family managed to obtain a health insurance card to ease the burden of medical bills. Collins' parents, Mr. Paul Wisdom Nkyi and Madam Halima, are dedicated to their son's care, but the weight of their circumstances often leads others to mistakenly perceive them as negligent.

Collins faces not only physical challenges but also the emotional burden of being different from his peers. His relatives, teachers, and even a former headteacher of his school, Mr. Malik Amosa Mensah, have all rallied to support the family find a lasting remedy for young Collins. Nonetheless, the financial constraints they face persist.

Collins Entsir carries a heavy burden of embarrassment due to his situation. He earnestly appeals to the global community for assistance in obtaining a precise diagnosis of his condition and charting a path forward to recovery. His desperate plea echoes the world over: "I want to look like my colleagues," he tearfully implores. This heartfelt cry extends beyond the physical transformation he desires; it is a call for help, an appeal to lift him from the shadow of stigma. It is a plea to restore not only his appearance but also his hope.

Five months ago, Collins sustained a seemingly minor wound on his right foot. Unbelievably, the wound remains unhealed, underscoring the gravity of his condition. Collins' malnourished appearance serves as a testament to the physical toll his condition has taken.

Madam Esi Tawiah joins her son's plea, her voice laden with emotion. "The government, NGOs, individuals, and all who can make a difference, please come to our aid," she implores.

As Collins' hope hangs in the balance, he endures the agony of an unidentified condition that challenges his very existence. This is a story of resilience and the enduring human spirit, a reminder that every life deserves a chance to flourish, no matter the obstacles it faces.

In the midst of this heart-wrenching struggle, Madam Esi Tawiah and Mr. Paul Wisdom Nkyi find solace in a quote that resonates with their relentless determination: "In the darkest hour, the power of a family's love can illuminate the path to hope and healing." They know that their love for Collins will guide them through the darkest times.

Collins' life is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering power of hope in the face of adversity.

Former Presiding Member Calls for Contract Extension of Ekumfi District's Education Director

Hon. Amoasi-Andoh

In a remarkable display of appreciation and dedication to quality education in the Ekumfi District, former Presiding Member, Mr. Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh, has urged support from community leaders, dignitaries, and education stakeholders to vote in favour of a five-year contract extension for Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, the District Director of Education for Ekumfi. Mr. Odoom's unwavering commitment and selfless contributions to the Directorate have earned him this plea for continued service.

This plea was delivered during the 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony of the District, held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, under the theme "Honouring Our Heroes for Quality Education in Ekumfi District." The event was designed to celebrate excellence and recognize teachers, especially those serving in hard-to-reach communities, with the aim of inspiring, attracting, and retaining talented educators.

Honourable Amoasi-Andoh, himself an honouree at the event, conveyed the sentiments of the community by appealing to Traditional Leaders, Clergy, Dignitaries, and education stakeholders to jointly petition the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, among other important institutions, to extend Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom's tenure. Such an extension would allow him to continue his exceptional legacy of service to the district.

During his address, Mr. Kwamina Amoasi-Andoh expressed gratitude to all awardees and emphasized the importance of valuing and cherishing teachers as invaluable assets to the community. A total of 63 awards were presented to deserving individuals during the ceremony.

The granting of this petition would enable Director Odoom and his capable team to maintain their exemplary work, in line with their vision for the 3rd edition of the awards ceremony, scheduled for May 2024. Mr. Odoom's dedication to education in the Ekumfi District serves as a beacon of hope and progress for the community.

Central Regional Education Officer Urges for Transformative Education on World Teachers' Day

Mr. B. K. Asare

Mr. Benjamin Kwasi Asare, the Central Regional Planning and Monitoring Officer for the Ghana Education Service, delivered a compelling message during the 2nd Ekumfi Education District Awards' Day Ceremony held on Thursday, October 5, 2023. The event coincided with World Teachers' Day, a global celebration of outstanding educators.

In his address on behalf of the Central Regional Director of Education, Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, Mr. Asare commended teachers and award recipients and called upon them, along with education stakeholders, to become catalysts for positive change in the world. He emphasized that the best teachers are those who inspire students to seek answers themselves, highlighting the pivotal role of educators in shaping future generations.

Mr. Armah, an awardee from Dunkwa Abontsen D/A Basic School

Acknowledging the challenges faced by teachers and schools, Mr. Asare drew attention to issues such as the deplorable condition of school buildings, citing the Dunkwa Abontsen D/A Basic School within the Ekumfi District as an example. He expressed his admiration for an award recipient from this school. Throughout his address, he emphasized the transformative potential of education, stating, "one book, one pen, one child can change the world."  

Dignitaries in a group photo with awardees

The event's centerpiece was the recognition of 63 dedicated teachers from various levels of education, ranging from Kindergarten to Senior High School, as well as Headteachers and Retirees. The celebration also honoured individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to improving education within the district. Distinguished guests included Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom (host), Traditional Leaders, Clergy, Hon. Ebenezer Kwesi Monney (DCE for Ekumfi), and his Coordinating Director, Miss. Sabina Otoo (District Director, Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam) and other District Directors of Education. 

Mr. Asare's passionate call for transformative education resonated strongly on World Teachers' Day, underscoring the crucial role that educators play in shaping the future and inspiring positive change in society.

Ekumfi District to Host 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony Celebrating Educational Excellence

Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom

District Director of Education, Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, to Commend Outstanding Teachers and Supporters of Education.

Ekumfi District, Ghana - The Ekumfi Education Directorate in Ghana is gearing up for an extraordinary celebration of its educators at the 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony for Teachers, hosted by the dedicated District Director of Education, Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Ekumfi Essarkyir Community Centre, under the theme "Honouring Our Heroes for Quality Education in Ekumfi District."

Mr. George Anim: a Retired Headteacher

Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition held on June 9, 2023, where numerous individuals and groups were recognized for their unwavering contributions to education, the 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony promises to be even more spectacular. This year's ceremony aims to pay homage to long-standing educators, including Kindergarten (KG) Teachers, Lower and Upper Primary Teachers, Junior High School (JHS) Teachers, Headteachers, and Retirees. It also intends to express heartfelt appreciation to individuals and groups who have tirelessly supported education and related causes within the district.

During the inaugural ceremony, distinguished figures such as Odeefo Akyen VIII (Paramount Chief of Ekumfi Traditional Area), Hon. Abeiku Crentsil (MP, Ekumfi), Hon. Ato Codjoe (Former MP, Ekumfi), Hon. Dr. Ekow Kweinoo (NDC Parliamentary Candidate), and Hon. Mrs. Agnes Owusu (Central Regional School Feeding Coordinator) were notably recognized. Additionally, organizations such as the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Plan International Ghana, Keba Africa, CAMFED Ghana and Enyan Denkyira Rural Bank Limited received well-deserved acclaim.

The event garnered even greater prestige with the gracious presence of Mrs. Dorcas Brenda Asare, the former District Director of Education for Ekumfi, and other esteemed Directors of Education from neighboring Districts. Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Quanston, the Headmaster of Ekumfi T. I. Ahmadiyyya Senior High School and Central Regional Chairman for the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), added to the programme's distinction, alongside other distinguished guests. Hon. Ebenezer Monney, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ekumfi District Assembly, served as the Chairman, adding his leadership and support to this noble cause.

Flyer

This year's ceremony promises to be exceptional as it coincides with World Teachers Day, an international event celebrated to honour and appreciate the invaluable role of teachers worldwide. To make the day even more memorable, the Ekumfi District in collaboration with the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has organized fun games for teachers. These activities will provide teachers with a unique opportunity to reflect on their dedication and take stock of their impactful contributions to the community.

Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom, the visionary District Director of Education, has expressed his excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming event, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the heroes who have dedicated their lives to nurturing the minds of Ekumfi youth.

As the Ekumfi District eagerly awaits the 2nd Awards' Day Ceremony for Teachers, it stands as a shining example of how a community can come together to honour and uplift its educational heroes. This year's event promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the passion and commitment that drives educators to create a brighter future for Ekumfi's youth.