By Kwame Okyere Darko Bekoe
Dear Old Students, Community Leaders, Nkonya Residents, Education Advocates, and Concerned Citizens,
Nkonya Senior High School, a once-proud beacon of academic achievement in the Oti Region, is now in a state of disheartening decline. The school suffers from crumbling infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and struggles to retain dedicated teachers. This dire situation demands urgent action from all stakeholders to rescue this historic institution and ensure it can continue to cultivate Ghana’s future leaders.
A Legacy Under Threat
Nkonya Senior High School has produced countless brilliant minds who have made significant contributions across all sectors of Ghanaian society. However, the school’s current struggles threaten this legacy. Students are forced to learn in environments lacking basic necessities like classroom furniture and proper dining facilities. The constant challenge of inadequate resources creates a significant barrier to their education and potential.
The Role of Perception
While external factors play a role, we must acknowledge that a negative perception within the alumni and broader community has hampered progress. This perception has created a sense of apathy and eroded the spirit of collective responsibility crucial for the school’s revitalization.
The Three Pillars of Alumni Success
For alumni associations to thrive and effectively support their alma mater, they must operate on three complementary pillars:
- Business: Leveraging the collective business expertise of alumni to establish fundraising channels, mobilize resources, and create sustainable support models for the school.
- Fun: Fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose through engaging events and activities that unite alumni and strengthen bonds.
- Giving Back: Cultivating a deep-rooted culture of philanthropy, inspiring alumni to contribute generously to the school’s infrastructure, academic development programs, and student welfare.
Strengthening the Foundation: The Role of Year Groups
We recognize that a strong alumni association is built upon the foundation of active and engaged year groups. Therefore, we call upon the alumni leadership to prioritize structuring and assisting various year groups to function effectively. Empowered year groups serve as vital feeders into the larger alumni body, providing a steady stream of members, resources, and ideas.
Correcting Misperceptions for Collective Action
To revive Nkonya Senior High School, we must first address and dismantle misperceptions that disrupt our ability to work together effectively. Whether these misperceptions arise from internal disagreements, past grievances, or poor communication, we need to prioritize reconciliation and rebuild trust.
We urge the alumni to set aside any personal agendas that might conflict with our common goal of restoring our alma mater to its former glory. Let us focus instead on the immense potential for positive change and the urgent needs of current students.
The Role of Key Stakeholders
The responsibility of revitalizing Nkonya Senior High School extends beyond the alumni:
- Nkonya Community: The Nkonya community must stand in solidarity with the school and champion its needs. We can leverage our collective resources, volunteer our time, and vigorously advocate with relevant authorities for the school’s advancement. The long-standing conflict between the Nkonya and Alavanyo communities continues to negatively impact the school. We must come together to advocate for a peaceful resolution to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for our children.
- Ghana Education Service (GES): The GES bears responsibility for the oversight and well-being of schools under its jurisdiction. We implore the GES to recognize the urgency of Nkonya Senior High School’s situation. Prioritizing the allocation of vital resources, providing essential furniture, and addressing teacher retention challenges are critical steps toward restoring functionality.
- Volta River Authority (VRA): As Nkonya Senior High School lies within the resettlement zone of the Volta River Authority, the VRA has a moral and social obligation to contribute actively to the school’s development programs. We urge the VRA to honor its commitment and invest significantly in the school’s infrastructure and academic initiatives.
Call to Action
The future of Nkonya Senior High School lies in our collective hands. It’s time to break free from the grip of negative perceptions and unite behind the three pillars of business, fun, and giving back. Let us start by strengthening our year groups, leverage our resources, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to provide the support that the students and teachers of Nkonya Senior High School desperately need and deserve.
Together, we can transform Nkonya Senior High School back into a thriving center of learning and ensure that future generations can benefit from its legacy.
Sincerely,
Okyere Darko ( 1993 Year Group )
( Founder GDAAR Foundation )
