The School

Created in 2004, the school began small in size, by Godwin in the village of Kpetoe. As noted on the main page, the school presently contains a roster of about 140 students. These students cannot afford a regular education therefore they have to resort to a free school. Many reasons lead to their enrollment; being orphaned (about half that attend are orphans), lack of funds for school, and not having anywhere else to go or anything else to do while their caretakers farm or earn money. These kids are picked up in the van by Godwin (shown in the back of the photo) around 7 in the morning and taken to "school".

The school is run by about 6 teachers which have a high turnover rate. Madam Francisca, located in the top left corner, has taught at the school since it opened. Other than her, 3 teachers have been there for about a month, and the other 2 for about 1 year. Godwin and the others that help administrate (Mr. Scott and the Secretary) are able to pay a very minimal wage of about 40 cedis a month. This converts to roughly 28 U.S. Dollars. Recently (Spring of 2009) they have been seeking a raise. Although this may seem problematic, the teachers have heart, but need more motivation and structure. They are good people aiding the disadvantaged.

Grades K-6 are taught here, and the largest class is the Kindergarten class of approximately 55 kids. Subjects taught in school include English, Math, RME (Religion, Morals and Ethics), Science, ICT (Computer Technology), CE (Citizenship Education), French, and Ewe (the local language).

The "school" is made up of 3 huts and a mango tree. This is hardly something that is conducive to a good learning experience as many distractions inhibit the learning experience. Since it is located out in the country (they call it the bush), they have to constantly clear the grass in area by way of a cutlass on Fridays. This clearing yields the dirt floor you see in the pictures above and below.

The reason why they do this is mainly to discourage snakes from disturbing them. Additional obvious problems are; having to fetch water daily on the way to school, hiding from the rain (which cancels school), playing in the dirt makes their uniforms dirty, and the heat.

Finally, since the government does not aid this institution they have very few resources. Just one example of this is the 1 Math book class 5 has to learn from. Therefore they lack books and even workbooks to write in. The last and possibly most important form of aid that they do not receive are meals. They struggle to eat something before or during school. The kids arrive around 7:00 and return to their homes around 3:00. Concentration becomes more difficult since they rarely eat 3 meals a day, or even a lunch.

This was the site of the school, up until the end of the summer in 2009.  After great contributions from a team in Ireland (Crosscause), and our side in the Wisconsin area, we have been able to land a site (pictured above) as well as a couple buildings.  There is a green painted building that is in an 'L' shape which was donated by the team from Ireland.  It contains four rooms and a possibility to expand into five rooms.  To the right of this structure is a newer building which was constructed on my second trip in November of 2009.  That building is a three room structure and needs to be finished in order for it to be utilized as a learning area.

Godwin tries to add teachers as more students become enrolled.  In addition to this added expense is the expense of two troublesome vehicles, which are constantly breaking down.  This is the state of the school as of now and more will be added in the future as it continues to grow.

Most recently (December of 2010), we have made success in further development for the school, see the pictures below...