Tarikum Basic School in the Bawku West District has emerged as a model learning hub following a remarkable transformation driven by community resilience and strategic partnerships.
The development was highlighted by the Upper East Regional Museum in collaboration with GuruneTells during the 2026 World Storytelling Day celebration.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Director of the Museum and Convener for GuruneTells, Pognaab Prisca Na’ambome Yenzie, underscored the role of storytelling in education, cultural preservation, and peacebuilding.
She said platforms such as World Storytelling Day not only celebrate culture but also spotlight real-life stories of transformation, citing Tarikum Basic School as a compelling example.
The school, once a modest rural institution with limited infrastructure, has seen significant improvements following the influx of refugees from neighbouring Burkina Faso.
The arrival of displaced pupils has led to investments in classroom renovations, learning materials, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, positioning the school among the best-equipped in the district.
The Ghana Education Service, through its Regional Directorate, confirmed its support alongside development partners and philanthropists to improve teaching and learning conditions.
The Directorate also facilitated the distribution of exercise books, clothing, and footwear to pupils, particularly supporting vulnerable children and boosting school attendance.
According to the school’s headmistress, Madam Zenab, enrolment has increased from about 230 pupils to over 640, attracting learners from both host communities and refugee populations.
She noted that while the improved environment has made the school more attractive, it has also created competition for nearby schools experiencing declining enrolment.
Beyond infrastructure, the World Storytelling Day activities highlighted the school’s growing role in promoting inclusion and social cohesion. Pupils participated in storytelling, cultural displays, and dialogue sessions aimed at fostering unity and mutual understanding.
Despite the progress, challenges such as inadequate teacher accommodation and transportation remain. School authorities are therefore appealing for additional support to sustain the gains made.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
