Pencils of Promise (PoP), a US non-profit organisation that builds schools and increases educational opportunities in the developing world, has commissioned a new 6-unit classroom block with auxiliary facilities for Honugo DA Basic School in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, in a move aimed at improving access to quality education and creating a better learning environment for pupils.

The commissioning ceremony, which was held on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 at the forecourt of the school premises, saw a rich cultural display and poetry recitals by students of the school as they welcomed the CEO of PoP, Leslie Engle, a team from the USA, the Country Director, Freeman Gobah, the MP for Agotime-Ziope, Charles Akwasi Agbeve and other dignitaries.

The newly commissioned facility includes a six-unit classroom block, 2 computer labs, an 8-unit toilet facility, a 4-unit urinal block, classroom furniture, electricity, ceiling fans, and polytanks for rainwater harvesting. The project adds to the organisation's long-standing investment in education infrastructure across Ghana.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Freeman Gobah said the organisation has spent the past 14 years supporting education in underserved communities across the Volta, Eastern and Oti regions.

He said the organisation has so far constructed 210 school infrastructure projects in 210 communities and remains committed to expanding educational opportunities for children.

Gobah said PoP first visited the community 2 years ago and found that the school lacked adequate classroom infrastructure. He explained that the organisation initially constructed a 3-unit kindergarten block before returning to build the new 6-unit classroom block after determining that the existing 6-unit pavilion was insufficient to meet the school's educational needs.

According to the headmaster of Honugo DA Basic School, Beloved Akpalu, as of 2023, the school, which currently has 189 pupils from kindergarten to JHS 3, supported by 11 teachers, had only a 6-unit classroom block, which was insufficient to accommodate all learners.



Adding that whenever it rained, they had to close the school because the classrooms were inadequate and storms posed a danger to the children.

He therefore described the project as a major relief for both teachers and pupils, as he expressed gratitude to Pencils of Promise for coming to the aid of the school.

Gobah went on to encourage the school authorities and residents to properly maintain the new facility to ensure future generations also benefit from it.

"We want the community and the school to take very good care of this structure because children who come after today's pupils should also have the opportunity to learn in these classrooms," he said, while also calling on parents to remain united and actively support their children's education.

The headmaster also appealed to individuals and organisations to complement the efforts of Pencils of Promise as the new building includes a space designated for an ICT laboratory but will need computers to enable pupils to benefit from practical digital education.

"We have provision for an ICT laboratory, but we don't have any computers. We appeal to donors to support us with computers so that our children can also acquire digital skills," he added.

Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, Charles Akwasi Agbeve, commended Pencils of Promise for helping to reduce the classroom deficit in the community and expanding access to education.



He recalled that previous generations travelled long distances to attend school due to the lack of educational infrastructure.

"My father comes from this community and attended middle school at Dakpa, which is more than 17 kilometres away. Despite those challenges, he rose to become a Major in the Army. Today's children are blessed with schools closer to their homes and should make good use of the opportunity," he said.

Agbeve challenged parents to ensure their children take advantage of the improved learning environment, stressing that the investment would only be worthwhile if it translated into better educational outcomes.

"This should become the foundation for producing doctors, teachers, engineers, military commanders, pharmacists and many other professionals from this community," he stated.

Chief Executive Officer of Pencils of Promise Global, Leslie Engle, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting education in the Volta Region, describing its partnership with local communities as one built on shared commitment to learning.



She said the organisation measures its impact through both quantitative and qualitative indicators, including pupil enrolment, attendance, test scores, teacher observations and feedback from parents and students.

"We're always looking for communities with a strong commitment to education, and we're thrilled with the partnership we've had here. The message is simple: use this facility and use it well. Learn every day because this is only the beginning. Pencils of Promise has a deep commitment to the Volta Region, and we look forward to continuing this partnership," she said.

The commissioning is expected to provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for pupils at Honugo DA Basic School while strengthening efforts to improve educational outcomes in the Agotime-Ziope District.