The importance of access to basic sanitation facilities cannot be overstated, particularly in developing countries where many schools lack basic toilet facilities, and students often face challenges in accessing suitable sanitation resources. To address this issue, the Footprints of Glory Foundation has recently constructed and donated a 3-unit urinal to the Tsito EP Junior High School in Ghana.
Background
The Footprints of Glory Foundation is a non-profit organization that seeks to make a positive impact in local communities by providing support and resources to underserved areas. The foundation has recognized the urgent need for basic sanitation facilities in many schools across Ghana and has made it a priority to improve access to these resources.
The Tsito EP Junior High School is located in Tsito Awudome in the Volta Region of Ghana and is one of many schools in the Awudome Traditional area that lacks adequate sanitation facilities. Prior to the construction of the 3-unit urinal, the school’s students and teachers had to use open fields or nearby bushes as makeshift urinals, which posed health risks and made it difficult for students to attend school regularly. Several contact hours are lost due to frequent visits by teachers to their homes and students to nearby bushes and this is hampering teaching and learning.
Design and Construction
To address this issue, the Footprints of Glory Foundation worked with local contractors and school officials to construct a 3-unit urinal on the school premises. The urinal is designed for teachers, male, and female students having their separate units, and features modern plumbing and sanitation systems to ensure that it is hygienic and safe to use. Pipe-born water has been connected to the facility and an overhead tank, Rambo 80, has been donated to conserve water for use by students and teachers.
The project which began somewhere in mid-August 2021 is a well-furnished. The donation of the urinal to the Tsito EP Junior High School has had a significant impact on the school community. Students now have access to clean and safe sanitation facilities, which has helped to reduce absenteeism and improve the overall learning environment. The urinal has also helped to promote good hygiene practices and prevent the spread of disease.
The construction and donation of the 3-unit urinal to the Tsito EP Junior High School is just one example of the Footprints of Glory Foundation’s commitment to improving access to basic sanitation facilities in underserved areas. The foundation’s efforts have made a significant impact in many communities across Ghana, and serve as an example of the positive impact that can be achieved through community-led initiatives.
The facility has burglar-proof metals fabricated to secure the facility and guard against students and other members of the community turning the facility into toilet rooms and preventing theft of sanitary facilities installed while school is out of session.
Commissioning and Handing Over
On Friday the 1st of October 2021, as a curtain raiser to the Grand Finale of the inter School Quiz Competition organized by Footprints of Glory Foundation, the facility was commissioned and handed over to the School authority.
Commissioning the facility, the pastor of Elikplimi E. P Church in Tsito said access to basic sanitation facilities is a critical issue in many developing countries, and the construction and donation of a 3-unit urinal to the Tsito EP Junior High School by the Footprints of Glory Foundation is a commendable effort to address this issue.
The donation will have a significant impact on the school community and serves as an example of the positive impact that can be achieved through benevolence acts by individuals and organizations.
Speaking at the Commissioning, Rev.Adeti who dedicated the facility to the glory of God commended Footprints of Glory for putting up such a nice structure that will serve the school.
Mr. Maxwell Dagadu, the representative for the Ho-West Director of Education, expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the facility. He thanked Footprints of Glory for putting up such a dazzling edifice for the school which will create a conducive environment and enhances learning and teaching.
” Due to lack of Urinal facility, the pupils litter the environment with urine and teachers sometimes have to go home to ease themselves and return”, he said.
He further asked the Headteacher, teachers, and pupils to maintain the facility and put it to good use.
Architect Kafui Amegbe said, “There is a need for it and that’s exactly what we did because we are not in good times. The pupils need to ease themselves and wash their hands regularly under running water to avoid illness, especially in this covid-19 era”.
The keys were handed over to the headmaster of the school, Mr.Ernest Letsor who appreciated the good work the NGO has done for them.
Present at the event were: Rev G.K . Adeti- Parish pastor of the E.P Church-Tsito, Cathechist Peace Komladzei, Mr.Maxwell Dagadu- Circuit supervisor for Tsito Circuit, Architect Kafui Amegbe-Director of Footprints of Glory, Headteachers, Teachers and pupils of Tsito E.P JHS.