The Member of Parliament (MP) for Jomoro Constituency in the Western Region, Dorcas Afo-Toffey, has renovated the dilapidated six-unit classroom block at Mpeasem Roman Catholic Primary School in the constituency to enhance effective teaching and learning.
Dorcas Afo-Toffey was touched to support the school when a severe rainstorm ripped off the entire roofing sheets of the classroom block and also damaged the building in 2019.
In addition, the MP provided a facility for ICT classes to take place in the school.
Handing over the renovated classroom block to the school management on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Dorcas Afo-Toffey commended the contractor and the residents for completing the project on time.
"I'm very happy that finally the dilapidated six-unit classroom block has been renovated and now the pupils and staff can have a very good environment to teach and learn, the rain can't disrupt academic work here again, I'm very very excited because many doubted me but with God on my side, I have done it", she expressed happiness.
She disclosed that education was very dear to her due to her personal experience.
She shared a poignant story about her journey story about her journey to becoming an advocate for education, especially girl-child education.
"My mother put her marriage on the line to see me through basic education. My father believed that educating the girl-child was not important, but my mother disagreed. She stood firm and ensured that I received an education, despite the challenges", she said.
The MP's voice was filled with emotion as she recounted how her mother's sacrifice and determination paved the way for her success. "If not for my mother's unwavering support, I wouldn't be where I am today".
She, therefore, took the opportunity to urge the management and staff of the school to take good care of the facility to last longer.
"I urge you all to take ownership and responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of this beautiful school. Let us work together to ensure that generations will come and meet the edifice", she appealed.
Dorcas Afo-Toffey called on the pupils to take their studies seriously to become responsible citizens in future.
She pledged that she would give a full scholarship package to any girl who would get an aggregate 6 to 12 in the upcoming BECE to attend secondary school till university.
The scholarship promise is aimed at encouraging and empowering female students to excel academically and pursue their higher education goals.
On her part, the Jomoro Municipal Education Director, Mrs. Edith Mary Hagan commended the MP's commitment to education and her dedication to providing a conducive learning environment for students in the constituency.
"We are thankful to Hon. Dorcas Affo Toffey for her unwavering support and investment in education," Mrs. Hagan said.
"The renovation of Mpaesem Catholic School is a testament to her leadership and vision for quality education."
She used the opportunity to thank the MP for her contributions towards education in the municipal including that of a 6-unit class block at Forest Junction, distribution of desks to schools across the constituency, donation of laptops to the municipal directorate, numerous scholarships packages to students at various levels of the education ladder.
The Chief of Mpeasem, Nana Ezene Benie I, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dorcas Affo Toffey, for renovating the Mpaesem Catholic School.
Nana Ezene Benie I praised the MP for listening to the community's cry and investing in the education of their children.
He said Dorcas Afo-Toffey was a reliable and truthful MP. "She promised and she has delivered, this is what all MPs must do".
The headmaster, staff and pupils of the school thanked the MP for the kind gesture and promised to maintain the facility to last longer.
As a way of appreciation, the chief and his community members gifted Hon. Toffey a sheep, symbolizing their gratitude and respect.
The MP's passion for education has driven her to champion various initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure and outcomes in her constituency.
Her dedication to that cause has inspired countless young people, particularly girls, to pursue their educational dreams.