The One Million Smiles Project by AfriKids Ghana is significantly transforming the educational landscape in the Builsa South District, according to the District Director of Education, Mr. Thomas Kanlisi.
Speaking at the AfriKids Teachers Awards event in Fumbisi, Mr. Kanlisi commended AfriKids for its unwavering commitment to improving basic education across the district, stating that the collaboration, which began in 2021, has yielded remarkable results.
“So, AfriKids Ghana started collaborating with us in 2021 under the One Million Smiles Project. They are supporting 20 kindergartens, 20 primary schools, and 20 junior high schools. The AfriKids program has led to improvements in the quality of teaching and learning in our schools through the capacity building of our teachers.”
He revealed that since the project’s implementation, learners in beneficiary schools have benefited from several co-curricular initiatives, including STEM Clubs and Sexual and Reproductive Health Clubs, which have enriched their learning experiences and personal development.
Mr. Kanlisi further noted that AfriKids had supplied kindergartens with essential teaching and learning materials, adding that most classrooms under the program are now well-equipped, contributing to a more effective teaching and learning environment.
“AfriKids has supported the directorate in monitoring these 20 schools,” he added. “There is now regular monitoring. Teachers know someone will come around to assess their work, which keeps them committed and focused.”
He also lauded AfriKids for reactivating the previously dormant District Education Oversight Committee, saying its revival has strengthened accountability and oversight in school administration.
In a gesture that further demonstrates its commitment to motivation and morale boosting, AfriKids awarded three outstanding teachers with brand-new television sets at the event.
“Today, as I speak, AfriKids has awarded three of our teachers with brand-new television sets, and I think that is motivation enough to inspire other teachers to give their best,” Mr. Kanlisi said.
He expressed the district’s gratitude and prayed for continued support from AfriKids. “We are very grateful to AfriKids, and we pray that the good Lord will continue to resource them so they can keep supporting us. If not for AfriKids, who is our partner on this journey to educational excellence?”
The One Million Smiles Project continues to serve as a model for impactful NGO-government collaboration in rural education development.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gerard Asagi|Builsa South
