KGL Foundation Commissions 24-Seater Washroom Facility for Adukrom PRESEC

Introduction

In a significant boost to sanitary infrastructure and student welfare, the KGL Foundation has officially commissioned a newly renovated twenty-four-seater water closet rest room facility for the Presbyterian Senior High Technical School (PRESEC) in Adukrom. Located in the Okere District of the Eastern Region of Ghana, this project addresses a critical need for the school’s male dormitories. This initiative highlights the growing role of corporate entities in supporting public education and underscores the importance of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions in schools. By upgrading an existing structure, the Foundation is not only improving daily life for students but also contributing to better health outcomes and academic focus.

Key Points

Background

The Sanitation Challenge at Adukrom PRESEC

Before this intervention, the Presbyterian Senior High Technical School in Adukrom faced severe challenges regarding sanitation infrastructure. The existing washroom facility, a 12-seater structure, had fallen into a state of disrepair. For a student population exceeding 1,000 males, this was grossly inadequate. Poor sanitation facilities in boarding schools often lead to health risks, discomfort, and a decline in the overall morale of students. The school administration had long identified this as a critical area requiring urgent attention to ensure a conducive learning environment.

The KGL Foundation’s Mandate

The KGL Foundation was established as the CSR arm of the KGL Group, a leading entity in Ghana. The Foundation’s mission is to drive sustainable social impact through strategic interventions. Unlike ad-hoc donations, their approach is structured around specific pillars: Health, Education, Entrepreneurship, Youth Empowerment, Arts, Culture, and Sports. The decision to intervene at Adukrom PRESEC was a direct response to an appeal by the school, which aligned perfectly with the Foundation’s educational mandate. This project also complements previous interventions by the Foundation at the school, specifically the provision of two mechanized boreholes, ensuring a holistic approach to water and sanitation.

Analysis

Corporate Social Responsibility in Education

The commissioning of the washroom facility serves as a case study for effective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the education sector. The KGL Foundation’s intervention demonstrates that CSR should go beyond financial donations to include tangible infrastructure development. By targeting specific pain points—like sanitation—corporations can directly influence student retention, health, and academic performance. The upgrade from 12 to 24 seats represents a 100% increase in capacity, directly addressing the ratio of facilities to students, which is a key metric in educational infrastructure planning.

Impact on Health and Dignity

Access to clean and sufficient sanitation is a fundamental human right. For adolescent students, the state of washrooms significantly impacts their dignity and mental well-being. A deplorable washroom environment can lead to stress and distraction, detracting from their ability to focus on studies. Furthermore, inadequate sanitation is a vector for disease. By providing a modern water closet system, the KGL Foundation is actively mitigating the risk of waterborne diseases, thereby supporting the Ministry of Health’s goals for school health programs. This intervention acts as a supplement to the water infrastructure (boreholes) already provided, creating a complete water cycle solution within the school.

Sustainability and Maintenance

A critical aspect of infrastructure projects in developing regions is sustainability. It is common for facilities to fall into disuse due to a lack of maintenance plans. However, in this case, the Headmistress of Adukrom PRESEC, Mrs. Mary Lomokie Amlalo, explicitly stated that the school authority would ensure the facility is well-maintained. This commitment is vital for the longevity of the project. The success of this intervention relies on a partnership model where the donor provides the capital expenditure (CapEx) and the beneficiary provides the operational expenditure (OpEx) and stewardship.

Practical Advice

How Schools Can Leverage CSR Partnerships

Educational institutions seeking similar interventions should adopt a structured approach to engaging corporate donors:

1. Conduct a Needs Assessment: Clearly identify the most critical infrastructure gaps, such as sanitation, water, or classroom blocks.
2. Document the Conditions: As seen with Adukrom PRESEC, having a clear understanding of the “deplorable state” of existing facilities helps in making a compelling case to donors.
3. Align with Donor Goals: Research the CSR pillars of potential partners. For example, approach health-focused foundations for clinic upgrades or education-focused ones for dormitory renovations.
4. Commit to Maintenance: Propose a clear maintenance plan to assure donors that their investment will last.

Maintaining School Sanitation Facilities

To ensure the longevity of new water closet facilities, schools should implement the following:

• Regular Inspection: Schedule weekly checks for leaks, blockages, or structural damage.
• User Education: Educate students on the proper use of water closets to prevent clogging and damage.
• Establish a Maintenance Fund: Set aside a portion of school fees specifically for sanitation repairs.

FAQ

Conclusion

The commissioning of the 24-seater washroom facility by the KGL Foundation at Adukrom PRESEC is a commendable step towards improving educational infrastructure in Ghana. By addressing the urgent sanitation needs of over 1,000 male students, the Foundation has not only provided a physical structure but also contributed to the health, dignity, and academic focus of the beneficiaries. This project serves as a model for effective CSR, emphasizing the importance of strategic intervention and sustainability. As the school administration commits to maintaining the facility, the long-term impact of this partnership is set to benefit the Adukrom community for years to come.