Sidik Juawie Jakei provides 100 dual desks to Pieng Basic School, donates GHS 10,000.00 cash to renovate teachers’ bungalow

A benefactor, Mr. Sidik Juawie Jakei popularly known as One-Man has provided over 100 dual desks to Pieng Basic School, and donated GHS 10,000.00 cash to the school’s PTA for the renovation of the only dilapidated teachers’ bungalow.

The benefactor who also hails from Pieng said the desks will serve about 200 pupils of the school.
The total cost incurred in constructing the desks was GHS 50,000.00.
During a short durbar on May 3, 2024 at the school’s premises, Parents, Teachers Association(PTA) Chairman of the school, Mr. Kofi Abudu Venia, expressed his sincere appreciation for Mr. Jakei’s gesture and rescue, acknowledging its significance amidst the school’s furniture shortage.

“Though it’s not going to solve the entire furniture deficit we are facing in the school, it’s a significant relief,” he said.
He shared insights into the community’s efforts and struggles to address the furniture challenge, stating, “When this issue came up, we sat in a meeting where, in the presence of our chief and the elderly, we came out with a decision as a community to share the burden among every community member, including women, so we could contribute to raising the needed funds to procure some furniture for the school.”

He continued and said “Upon hearing about our meetings, then our diaspora son and brother, Mr. Sidik Juawie Jakei popped up and expressed his willingness to absorb the entire budget to procure the furniture for the school. This action then came as a big relief for us”.

Also, the chief of Pieng, Kuoru Humphrey Tordia Bonkpan underscored the community’s enduring commitment to the school’s development, noting, “Since 1978, the community has been the biggest contributor to the school’s growth.”

He urged continued support for critical infrastructure projects, including the construction of a teachers’ bungalow. Additionally, Kuoru Humphrey Tordia Bonkpan expressed gratitude for Mr. Jakei’s consistent support, stating, “This isn’t the first time he has come to our rescue.”

Mr. Jakei, reflecting on his decision to give back to his community, emphasized his deep-rooted connection to the community and its challenges, informing his decision to take off the burden off the shoulders of community members. “I grew up here, and so I know the challenges and financial struggles that we are being confronted with on a daily basis”.

He also outlined his commitment to further assistance, stating, “I also want to use this opportunity to thank you for the support ensuring that the money I gave out for the desks was used for the intended purpose without any delays. I also want to assure of my continuous support in constructing a teachers’ bungalow, procuring befitting furniture for K.G pupils and any other matters confronting the school.”

Meanwhile, the Municipal Education Director, Mr. Charles Lawel lauded Mr. Jakei’s contribution as a transformative investment in the school’s future. “To be honest with you, when I first heard the news, I could sleep better,” he said while expressing some relief at interventions being made to resolve the longstanding furniture deficit challenge confronting the municipality.

He also expressed appreciation for the support of the community, stating, “I also want to thank the chief and his people for standing behind him to make this possible.”
“I am very happy this morning because my school children will get furniture to sit on. Coming into office in 2021, one of the biggest challenges basic schools have been facing in Sissala East constituency is huge furniture deficit.

Normally, when I go on monitoring, I mostly see school children lying on their bellies to have classes which has adversely affected outcomes. But today we are in Pieng witnessing how one individual has taken it upon himself to sacrifice to provide about 100 dual desks to Pieng basic school”, the director said.

He also mentioned the significance of the donation in improving learning outcomes, stating, “Normally, when I go on monitoring, I mostly see school children lying on their bellies to have classes which has adversely affected outcomes.”
Also, the Headteacher of Pieng Basic School, Mr. Abass Napuna echoed sentiments of appreciation on behalf of the teaching staff, recognizing the donation as a catalyst for renewed dedication.

“This donation is a mark of a bigger responsibility on us as teachers,” he observed
He has therefore expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Jakei for his generosity and its potential to inspire excellence..

By: Araphat Dimah