The Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation Limited (BOST) has distributed over 11,000 exercise books and supplementary reading materials to six basic schools in Akosombo, in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region.

The beneficiary schools include Atimpoku RC Basic School and Atimpoku L/A Junior High School, among others. This initiative is part of BOST's nationwide educational support programme targeting communities impacted by its operations, with a total of 100,000 learning materials planned for distribution.

Speaking on the initiative, BOST's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager, Mr. Yaw Antwi Dadzie, stated, "We are ensuring that schools in communities surrounding our depots have the necessary learning materials to boost education. So far, we have covered areas like Kumasi, Savelugu, Buipe, Debre, and Bolga and distributed over 80,000 materials."

This programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to promote equitable and quality education.

Mr. Dadzie noted that a needs-based assessment conducted two years ago informed the decision to support schools with learning materials.

In addition to the educational initiative, he explained that BOST has offered a scholarship worth GH₵1.5 million to 50 students at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), covering tuition, laptops, stipends, and other support.

The company, he observed, also emphasizes environmental sustainability through tree planting to reduce its carbon footprint.

In a brief remark after the donation, head teachers of the beneficiary schools observed that teaching and learning go hand in hand with assessment but said a key challenge among schools in the catchment area is that some of the pupils lack exercise books.

Given this, the educators hailed the exercise as a timely intervention, addressing the significant challenge in classrooms where many learners lack basic learning materials.

Speaking on the impact, they noted that the absence of exercise books often hampers effective assessment, making it difficult to track student progress.

"You visit a classroom only to realize that a child has no exercise book," one of the teachers said. "These exercise books have come at the right time, allowing us to better evaluate how learners are faring in teaching and learning."

While expressing gratitude for the support, the teacher highlighted that the need remains substantial, appealing for further assistance.

"Each child needs about 15 exercise books to meet their academic requirements. We hope for more support to ensure sustained academic improvement," they added.