Projects

There seems to always be something on the go at our Dekpor Central Shops.  In April and May, the construction began to fill in the area that was adjacent to the sewing shop. Why? To provide more protected space for our apprentices and graduates to accomplish their work!

What makes this even more cool?  The welder, Amenyo, is one of our previously sponsored students who is now a graduate.  The carpenter, Ruben, is also one of our graduates!

Of all the hundreds of choices, we are SO grateful that Hans Kang had Dekpor School Development Organisation at the top of his list to support!

After becoming an insurance broker, Hans signed up for a policy with Canada Protection Plan...and by gosh, they offered a $200 grant to go toward a charitable cause!

Early January, Hans contacted Carol and asked if there was any item that could be purchased here in Ontario that would help at the school in Ghana. YES! Dry erase markers are always needed!

Truth is, one never knows what you may find in this particular photo album! We always have lots on the go and even small projects or purchases can make a big impact! For larger campaigns or projects, there will be a photo album designated specifically to that particular project, but for smaller things you'll find it here!

The curriculum has changed.  With that change comes the need for new corresponding textbooks.  But gosh, what a huge number of books that is!  There are eight or nine different subjects in every grade, from the first year of kindergarten right up to JHS 3!  There are usually 800 - 1000 students in any given school year. How on earth do we give the Dekpor Basic School students a fighting chance at passing their exams if the teachers do not even have one copy of each text?

Sports are an important way to keep people occupied in a fun and healthy manner.  Truth be told, the people of Dekpor do not have much time to relax when there is constantly work to be done in the fields, but having the option is wonderful.  Being able to introduce students to sports other than soccer is a big bonus, too.

On any given day, there can be 800 - 1000 students at Dekpor Basic School.  The families in Dekpor are poor, very poor.   Often, a child shows up to class with nothing but the smile on their face.  No paper; no pencil.

There is no such thing as a stockroom at Dekpor Basic School.  There are no supplies for the teachers to use or to distribute to the students.

We want to have a supply of writing utensils for the teachers to lend out at the start of the day, so no child has to sit the entire class, unable to take notes or do their work.

In a place such as Dekpor, it is customary to organize communal labour to get town jobs accomplished.  Sometimes it is a chief who decides there is a project that needs doing; sometimes it is DSDO that leads the way.  One snag is that the average person doesn’t own the necessary tools.

In Ghana, it is mandatory for students to wear uniforms to school. Some of us may not understand the whole bigger picture about WHY providing uniforms to Dekpor students is a really big deal, so let's explore this a bit. Some families desperately want their children to have the opportunity to go to school, so they send them even if they don't own the required clothing. But, there are certain parents who are far too embarrassed to let others see the extent of their poverty--they would rather their children work in the fields instead of it being obvious that they cannot afford a uniform.

Despite challenges through a pandemic, DSDO had a wonderfully successful year! We are so grateful to our compassionate and giving supporters for continuing to help us make a difference in rural Ghana!

This album is always a surprise! We have lots on the go and there are small purchases or jobs done that can make a big difference. HERE is where you'll find a hodge podge from this year. Be certain to read the little photo description box and check this particular album for updates throughout the year.