We’re thrilled to share that on the 25th March the community of Aboadze/Abuesi held the official opening ceremony for their new kindergarten school.

The fishing community in the Shama Municipal in the Western Region of Ghana was in major need of a new facility for their youngest learners. The original kindergarten building was essentially a shed with half walls, a metal roof and a bare earth floor. The classroom was often overcrowded and during bad weather children had to be relocated to the community library or return home.

As part of Tullow Ghana’s socio-economic investment strategy designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in communities they work in, a new kindergarten school was commissioned in partnership with the community, the Ghana Education Service and Sabre Education.

The new kindergarten school provides two classrooms, a kitchen area, age appropriate toilets, two shaded outside teaching areas and a playground. It also features an office space and a safe area to store classroom resources.

Our Executive Director Tony Dogbe shared that, “The kindergarten school is part of Tullow’s support to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Tullow and Sabre believe that STEM education must start from an early age. The best way to encourage the 5 C’s (Confidence, Communication, Cooperation, Curiosity, Concentration), the foundation of 21st century skills, is through play.”

Tony also highlighted the essential role that parents play in supporting their children’s education and learning through play. “Play doesn’t just take place at school and between children, it is also adults playing with their own children. Zero to eight years are the important foundations of a child’s life, and parents, the community and the school all have a role to play”

The opening ceremony was a fantastic event, we’d like to thank all those who came, notably the Sekondi MP and Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Andrew E. Mercer, and Deputy Managing Director of Tullow Ghana, Cynthia Lumor. Also present at the opening ceremony were the District Chief Executive of Shama, Hon. Ebenezer Dadzie, Director of Education for Shama, Mr. Tony Aidoo, Head Mistress Mrs. Vida Nana Bentum and staff of Aboadze-Abuesi Basic School, religious and community leaders, a representative from the District Education Office and officials of Tullow Ghana.