20th anniversary of the Marist Preparatory and Junior High School
During the twentieth anniversary of the Marist Preparatory and Junior High School of Santasi, Ghana, the school’s principal made an appeal to the country’s government for assistance.
“I, on behalf of all private basic schools, plead with the government to motivate private basic schools by providing them with basic resource centres such as computer and library resource centres,” affirmed Brother John Kusi-Mensah, the school’s principal.
“We have less than 30 computers for more than 1000 students, our classrooms are overcrowded,” he said in his speech during the celebration held on Oct. 4 at the school.
The event coincided with the celebration of the Institute’s bicentenary in the country.
The school received an award in 2008 for being the fifth best school in academic excellence in Ghana and, according to Br John, it is currently one of the leading schools in the district of Atwima Kwanwoma. Also, the West African Examinations Council, which conducts university entry examinations in West African countries, has chosen the school as one of its examination centres.
“Our education aims at helping children and young people to become good Christians and good citizens who value the common good,” he stated.
The Marist Preparatory and Junior High School recently built a new Kindergarten thanks to the sponsor of
the Irish-based charity Misean Cara and the coordination of FMSI.
The school is currently planning on establishing a science laboratory, nine new classrooms, and a multipurpose hall that it will turn into a boarding school.
The celebration included a Mass, the blessing of two new projects – the grotto of Our Good Mother and the Kindergarten – and traditional dancing performances.
Guests included the archbishop of Kumasi, Gabriel Yaw Anokye, archbishop emeritus Peter Kwasi Sarpong, the bishop of the Obuasi diocese, John Yaw Afoakwah, the chief of Sabin Akrofrom in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Nana Osei Kofi, as well as several priests and religious.
In his homily, archbishop emeritus Peter Kwasi Sarpong, called on the government to connect with the Marist Brothers for advice of how to improve education in Ghana.
According to him, the Marist Brothers have the key to quality and holistic education.