Mafi Adidome Gets First Ultra-Modern Community Library

The project, which is the initiative of the Dufia of Mafi Adidome, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V, was supported by a number of individuals and groups including the CH Group Foundation based at Cantonments in Accra, the Ghana Library Authority (GLA), the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) as well as the Central Tongu District Assembly (CTDA).

The state-of-the-art library occupies two (2) classrooms of a renovated three (3) unit-classroom block facility belonging to the Mafi Adidome E.P. Basic School.

The library has been stocked with several thousands of books on almost all subjects ranging from general and story books, humanities and education, to books on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. These educational resources are expected to tremendously advance the course of studies of the students and pupils at the basic and secondary school levels in the community and beyond. There are also books for adults and private people who can just walk in and read these materials.

The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries from far and near including the community, traditional, educational and political leaders of the district. Pupils from the host and sister schools as well as students from the Mafi Adidome Senior High School (ADISEC) including their School Choir were also present at the ceremony.

Inaugurating the facility, the Dufia of Mafi-Adidome and the brain behind the project, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V noted that the provision of the library facility is a fulfillment of a long-standing dream during his installation as a Chief to prioritize and improve educational standards in the Mafi Adidome community and beyond. According to him, the facility which stands as a testament to a true gift to students, the school children and the teachers alike, would serve as a hub for learning, digital exploration and a place for effective knowledge acquisition.

Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V said the donation of the library symbolizes that education is the surest way to empowerment and called on the youth not only to make good use of the facility but also see it as an educational beacon of hope. ‘The library should become a place to cultivate ideas and the truth’, the Dufia of Mafi Adidome emphasized.

The Chief was grateful to the EPC for donating the building for the project, the GLA for accepting the challenge and supporting the initiative, the CH Group Foundation for the books donation, family members and scores of volunteers whose sacrifices, time and resources have all culminated in the successful execution of the project.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Hon. Addison Dodzi Mornyuie commended the Dufia of Mafi Adidome and his team of supporters and donors for the laudable initiative which according to him, would positively impact on educational outcomes in the district. ‘Development does not hinge around central government or the District Assembly alone. Individuals also have their respective roles to play. For Central Tongu to develop, everybody must be on board’, the DCE emphasized.

Hon. Mornyuie charged the pupils and students to make maximum use of the facility not only during the weekdays but also weekends. He appealed to the teachers to assist the learners with an effective time-table that would stand the test of time and inure to their benefit.

The DCE used the opportunity to announce that beginning from next year, his outfit and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Hon. Alexander Gabby Hottordze would jointly introduce a competitive examination for all pupils of basic schools across the district. The examination, he said would be conducted in English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science, aimed at helping to improve academic standards and performance at the basic and senior high school levels in the district. Prizes, the DCE added would be awarded to the best three (3) performing learners from each of the twelve (12) educational circuits of the district.

The Deputy Executive Director of the GLA, Mr. Israel Yao Dzantor was full of praise for the Chief of Mafi Adidome for the gesture. ‘If you have well-enlightened citizens in a community, this is what you see by way of results’, Mr. Dzantor remarked. He reminded the students that their future depends on the library, hoping that the provision of the facility would change the narrative of education and its outcomes in the district in the coming years.

Mr. Dzantor pledged the support of the GLA towards the effective use and resourcing of the library, adding that efforts would also be made to connect the library to what he described as the knowledge resources of the country.

The District Director of Education (DDE), Ms. Happy Tsifokor noted that the importance of the facility cannot be over-emphasized, adding that its provision is not only timely but also heartwarming for both the learners and the teachers.

The District Pastor of the EPC, Rev. Simon Addae was grateful to God for giving Mafi Adidome what he described as a visionary leader. He gave the assurance that the Church would continue to support the library and other initiatives that would promote its effective use.

The Operations and Research Lead of the CH Group Foundation, Mr. Benjamin Addo Kwakye said his Foundation is dedicated to advancing the development of underserved communities across the country. According to him, the provision of the library edifice is a shining example of what a visionary leader can achieve for his community and for the general societal development.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Adidome Community Library Lead, Mrs. Georgina Fiagbenu-Asare described the project as a dream come true. According to her, plans are also in the pipeline to equip the library with computers in order to make it a center for literacy enhancement.

A 13-year old final year pupil of the Mafi Adidome E.P. Basic School who delivered the vote of thanks at the event was showered with money and praises from the large gathering for the excellent performance of the assignment. Ms. Hozame was encouraged by all and sundry to learn hard in order to achieve her vision of achieving greater laurels in life.

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