Achimota 65 Year Group 50th Anniversary Project
I, Victor Atiemo-Obeng, am a member of the Achimota (Secondary) School Class of 1965. In the tradition of the school’s anniversary celebrations, and after consultation with the school’s leaders our year group has chosen to undertake the construction of a new and modern kitchen at a cost of $314,000 as a gift for Achimota School. To-date we have raised almost half of the funds needed. We are appealing to your generosity of heart to help us raise additional funds. We would like to provide in 2015 a fitting kitchen to the very deserving students of Achimota School. Any amount you contribute will be greatly appreciated.
In 1965 when our class graduated, the kitchen catered for a population of about 720 students. Today, Achimota School has a student population of almost 2,500; and the same kitchen now tries with inefficient and ineffective equipment, some of which shown in the photos, to cater for almost 1,900 students. The current kitchen built in the late 1920s is difficult to maintain even after years of patches and adaptations. It is also presents serious challenges to the staff in maintaining safe and hygienic conditions. It’s a daunting challenge which the graduating class of 1965 has chosen to address as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our graduation.
Achimota School (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achimota_School) is widely recognized as the leading co-educational boarding public high school in Greater Accra, Ghana as well as in the West Africa region. It emphasizes the education of girls. In fact, one of the founders, Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey, coined the famous slogan, ‘If you educate a boy you educate an individual, but if you educate a girl you educate a family (or nation)”. Perhaps, not surprisingly, Achimota produced the country’s first woman medical doctor, first woman PhD researcher, and the woman who designed Ghana’s national flag. Five of Ghana’s Heads of State, including the current President, John Mahama, as well as the first Prime Minister and later President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, are alumni of Achimota School.
Unfortunately Achimota now faces serious financial challenges which threaten the sustainability of her past achievements. Government subventions appear to ignore the heritage, vast campus, aged and over-stressed infrastructure including the kitchen.
I, Victor Atiemo-Obeng, will cover the costs for this fundraising campaign and for transferring the funds raised to the group’s account at ECOBANK in Ghana. You may use the “Donate” button at the top right of the page. However If you want to send your contributions by wire directly, below is the bank information information to use:
· Bank: Ecobank Ghana Limited
· Account Name: OAA Class of 65
· Savings A/C No: 0203084471486801
· SWIFT CODE: ECOCGHAC
Also if you want to send a money order or check, be sure to make it payable to me with a memo to Achimota 1965 Year Group Project.and mail to:
· 5004 Cortland Ct., Midland MI 48642-3267
Thank you for your generous contribution.