For several years, the teaching and learning of science have been impeded at Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High School in the Ashanti region due to the dilapidated nature of the only chemistry laboratory.
School authorities say the poor state of the laboratory was not only an eyesore but a dent on the image and status of a school named after the legendary Asante queen mother and warrior, Yaa Asantewaa.
But the narrative is changing with an initiative to refurbish the facility through an intervention of the Parents’ Association, supported by the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly.
With a student population of over 3,500 students, Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS, the once renowned science resource center, has its chemistry lab in a deplorable state.
School authorities decried the poor state of the facility, a situation they say pushed many students away from the studies of science.
Felicia Asamoah is the headmistress of the school.
According to her, the situation affected the status of the school as students and teachers shied away from learning and teaching science.
“This facility has been dilapidated over a long time and I mean a long time. And made the practical aspect of teaching and learning Chemistry very uncomfortable especially when new students enter the Chemistry lab, they become discouraged. Teachers go there and they wonder if that is Yaa Asantewaa Chemistry lab.”
But through an intervention, students and teachers can now heave a sigh of relief as the lab is refurbished.
It took the Parents Association of the school to initiate this capital-intensive project to refurbish the lab.
“The refurbishment has therefore come at an opportune time and will enhance our students learning experience, fostering curiosity and excellent in science,” says Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Felicia Asamoah.
Chairman of the association, Andrews Kyere, commended the MCE for Kwadaso, Eric Assibey, for committing funds to the refurbishment of the lab.
“We went to the Municipal Chief Executive to inform him because he is the government and he welcomed us. I have not witnessed MCE who has shown so much commitment and so much interest in education and he promised to help us even pay the contractor who has been worrying me.”
Municipal Chief Executive for Kwadaso, Eric Assibey, assured students and teachers of his commitment to improve infrastructure in the school.
“Science education in particular forms the backbone of national development. A well-equipped laboratory it’s not just a building filled with instruments. It is a place of creativity and innovation.”
“As a musical chief executive, I wish to assure you that the Kwadaso Municipal Chief Executive remains committed to supporting educational initiative such as this.” Mr. Assibey assured.
Meanwhile, final-year students of Yaa Asantewaa SHS have donated assorted items, including rice and cooking oil, to female inmates of the Kumasi Central Prisons.