UE/R: THE CATHOLIC EDUCATION UNIT DONATES CLASSROOM FURNITURE TO 18 SCHOOLS IN THE UPPER EAST AND NORTH EAST REGIONS

BY: VALERIUS ATUIMAH

The Catholic Education Unit of the Navrongo–Bolgatanga Diocese has donated over 300 pieces of classroom furniture to 18 Catholic schools across the Upper East  and North East Regions, to improve teaching and learning conditions.

The donation comprising 100 mono desks, 300 dual desks, 13 Tables  and 7 whiteboards was blessed and handed over at a ceremony held on 17th October 2025 at the Catholic Bishop’s Secretariat in Bolgatanga.

The event brought together teachers, head teachers, local managers, and education officials, including Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Navrongo–Bolgatanga Diocese, Rev.  Sr. Dr. Bernadine Pemii , Regional Manager of the Catholic Education Unit, and representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES) among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bishop Agyenta reaffirmed the Church’s long-standing role in promoting education in Ghana. “Education has always been part of the Church’s mission,” he said. “We are not in competition with government but working to complement it.”

He thanked the GES and other state agencies for their cooperation and appealed for stronger collaboration to improve conditions in mission schools. “There are still children sitting on the floor to learn,” he noted. “Government cannot do everything, and that is why partnership is important.”

The Bishop also commended the Catholic Education Unit’s innovation and transparency, praising Rev.  Sr. Dr. Bernadine Pemii  and her congregation; the Daughters of Charity Congregation, for their dedication and creativity in mobilising resources to sustain the office. “This initiative is the result of faith, ingenuity, and hard work,” he said.

In her remarks, Rev.  Sr. Dr. Bernadine Pemii explained that the donation aimed to address the severe shortage of furniture in Catholic schools across the diocese. “Many of our pupils’ study on stones or the bare floor,” she said. “We could either give up or try to make a small impact and we chose the latter.” She revealed that the project was funded through support from the Eaton and Friends of Noeline Haylett, an organization based  in Ireland.

Representing the GES, Mr. Francis, Regional HR Director, praised the Church’s contribution and urged school authorities to take care of the donated items. “Someone has sacrificed for you to have this,” he said. “Appreciate it and maintain it well.” He also called for community involvement in sustaining improvements. “Self-initiation is important,” he said. “Let’s do what we can locally before asking for external help.”

Both the Bishop and Rev.  Sr. Dr. Bernadine Pemii appealed to beneficiaries to maintain the furniture properly and to build on the support received. “Maintenance is a problem in Ghana,” Bishop Agyenta said. “Let’s ensure what we receive lasts for many years.” They also encouraged government and private partners to continue supporting Catholic schools, particularly in deprived areas.

The beneficiary schools were Sakogu R/C JHS Nalerigu (50 dual desks & 2 boards), Naa-Sheriga R/C Primary Nalerigu (50 dual desks), Langbinsi R/C JHS Nalerigu (25 dual desks), Chinchulnum R/C Basic Bunkpurugu (25 dual desks), Bazua R/C JHS Binduri (25 dual desks & 1 board), Christ The King KG Chaina (30 KG chairs & 4 tables), Jininga R/C JHS Fumbisi (25 dual desks), Fr. Morin KG Sirigu (30 KG chairs & 4 tables), Abempingu R/C Primary Sirigu (25 dual desks), St. Joseph Primary Soe (25 dual desks), St. Georges Primary Tongo (25 dual desks), Vincent Akurugu Mem. Prim. Bongo (25 dual desks), Kpandema R/C KG Wiaga (20 KG chairs & 2 tables), Kazugu R/C KG Paga (20 KG chairs & 2 tables), Kasape R/C Primary Nalerigu (1 board), Holy Angels Bawku (1 board), St. Joseph JHS Soe (1 board), and Christ The King JHS Bolga (1 board).

The event concluded with the Bishop’s blessing of the furniture and a renewed commitment from all participants to sustain the Church’s mission in education.

As Bishop Agyenta remarked: “Everything we do here is for the children. Together, let’s make sure no child in our diocese learns on the floor again.”