Lecturer Gives Up PhD to Provide School

The people of Pwalugu, near Bolgatanga with support from some Japanese philanthropists, have put up a six-classroom block with a library for their children.

The classrooms can seat 600 pupils.

Mr. Augustine Awuni, a University lecturer in Japan who comes from the Upper East and who initiated the project with money meant for his Ph.D. studies, presented the building on behalf of the community to the Ghana Education Service (GES) at a ceremony in Pawlugu last week.

Mr. Awuni said he was not happy that the children were having classes in old dilapidated buildings without roofs, and because he did not have extra money to solve the problem he decided to forego his Ph.D. and use the money to provide better classrooms for the community.

He said the Japanese have been very generous and that they attach great value to education. He urged GES to ensure that competent teachers are posted to school.

Mr Mahami Salifu, Upper East Regional Minister, who commissioned the block urged teachers to continue rendering dedicated service adding that the government would not tolerate laziness and incompetence.

He said attractive incentive packages have been approved for teachers in rural and deprived communities so teachers have no excuse not to put up their best.

He asked the people of Pwalugu to show interest in the running of the school and participate in all activities meant for the Parent/Teacher Association and the School's Management Committee.

"We need to take control of our destinies if we have to make any meaningful progress in our socio-economic well-being.," he said.

Mr. K.B. Daboo, Regional Director of Education, said the school would be made a model school and special attention given it in terms of teachers, books and other teaching materials.

He advised the pupils to be respectful towards their elders and to study hard to become useful citizens in future.

Naba Atia Azure, Chief of Pwalugu, thanked Mr Awuni and the whole community for working so hard to put up the building. He pledged to encourage his people to send their children to school.