Accra: Drilling for Hope, in partnership with the Ghana Poultry Network (GAPNET), at the weekend commissioned four hand pump boreholes for four needy schools in four districts in the Upper East Region. The beneficiary schools included Winkogo Junior High School in Talensi, Nayorigo Primary School in Bongo, and two other schools in Zebilla in the Bawku West and the Garu District respectively.

According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative formed part of Drilling for Hope’s efforts to improve access to safe drinking water and promote effective teaching and learning in deprived communities in Ghana. Ms Karen Flewelling, Founder of Drilling for Hope, speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Winkogo JHS, expressed her wish to see children in Ghana having access to potable drinking water. She noted the organization had constructed 38 boreholes in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of good drinking water and her joy in providing clean water to children and their schools.

Ms Flewelling added that Drilling for Hope was also committed to funding higher education for girls, noting that several graduates supported by the organization were already working in Ghana, with two currently in medical school and others pursuing degrees in teaching and nursing. She highlighted this as her seventh visit to Ghana, during which the organization had supported school supplies, livestock, and scholarships for young women.

Mrs Jennifer Akomanyi, Headmistress of Winkogo JHS, described the intervention as historic, noting that the school had been without water for more than 60 years. She remarked that children previously had to trek long distances to fetch water, often missing lessons and compromising hygiene practices. The new borehole, she said, would benefit both academic work and the school garden.

Mr Edward Azuah Akolgo, the Assembly Member for the Winkogo Electoral Area, remarked that the borehole would benefit the immediate community beyond the pupils. He pledged commitment to its maintenance. Mr John Millim Nabwomyain, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Talensi, commended Drilling for Hope and GAPNET for addressing the water challenges of needy schools, noting that the borehole would ensure better classroom attendance and hygiene practices.

At a separate ceremony at the Nayorigo Primary School, Mr Moses Akuribire Atengane, the Headteacher, stated that access to water had long hindered effective teaching and learning. He expressed gratitude for the borehole, which provided relief and noted the school’s continued need for support with desks, reading materials, and other facilities.

Mr Joseph Akaseke Abaa, the Bongo District Chief Executive, also expressed gratitude to Drilling for Hope and GAPNET, pointing out that the intervention would enhance teaching and learning while improving the health and wellbeing of pupils and their families. As part of its efforts to empower women, Drilling for Hope also handed over 10 goats to 10 women in the Winkogo community, each expected to pass on the first offspring to another woman in the community.