Residents of the Bembisi community in the Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have been tirelessly working to complete a much-needed three-unit classroom block. However, despite reaching the roofing stage, the project remains unfinished due to a lack of resources. The initiative, which began a year ago, was driven by a collective community effort, motivated by the desire to improve educational facilities in the area.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the assembly member for the Kandiga-Bembisi electoral area, Charles Anyungba, emphasized that the project, initiated by local residents, was designed to address the pressing issue of children still learning under trees, with education often disrupted during the rainy seasons. The community decided to take matters into their own hands, relying on local labor and contributions to build the structure.
“The community undertook this project a year ago. We realized that education in the community was deteriorating, and as we speak today, children are still sitting under trees. Whenever it starts raining, learning has to pause,” he explained.
According to him, residents, including carpenters, masons, and other skilled individuals, voluntarily forgo their income-generating activities to contribute to the project. “We didn’t hire labor from outside. It’s all coming from the community,” he said. However, despite their dedication, the community is struggling to secure the remaining support needed to complete the classroom block.
He further indicated that while the community has reached out to various stakeholders, including political parties and Members of Parliament, only limited assistance has been provided so far. The assembly, which is technically responsible for the project, has yet to fulfill its pledge to support the initiative, leaving the burden largely on the shoulders of the community and external partners.
To raise the remaining funds, the assembly member noted that the community organized a homecoming program, which began on March 5, 2025. The program included a series of events such as a cleanup exercise, football matches, and other activities. It will culminate on March 7 with a fundraising event aimed at securing the necessary resources to complete the classroom block. “The homecoming is a decision by the community to come together and raise funds to see if we can complete our project,” he stated.
Mr. Anyungba appealed to individuals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and potential donors, urging them to contribute, even in small amounts. Donations in the form of cement, roofing sheets, or financial support are critical to the successful completion of the project. “We are still calling on them, and we are grateful to those who have already supported us. We haven’t finished yet. It’s a journey we’ve started together, and we should all finish it together. Those who have supported us, we are still inviting them not to leave us behind,” he said.
He added that despite the challenges, the community remains determined to see the project through. He expressed hope that with continued support, the classroom block will be completed, providing a better learning environment for the children of Bembisi and surrounding areas. “It is not easy for us, but we are committed. We can’t let it go to waste.”
Meanwhile, for those wishing to contribute, the assembly member urged them to reach out to the community youth chairman or A1 Radio, where donations can be coordinated. The community expresses deep gratitude to all who have already contributed and remains hopeful that others will join in to ensure the success of this vital project.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
