Teshie School Project – Volunteer Diary - Day 11

A report by ESB & ESBI Volunteers on-site this week at the Ghana School Project

Chief Exec. Takes Up Painting
After the excitement of yesterday evening’s open event the volunteers were supplemented today by a new member when Padraig McManus, Chief Executive, joined the painting team. The group are now nearing the end and are making a concerted effort to see outstanding work completed.

Volunteer Visits Fr. Augustine with €8,000 Cheque
One of the volunteers, Garbhán Blake from ICT, has paid a visit to Fr. Augustine in the Apam Hospital, approximately 50 miles to present a cheque. The money was raised by holding a Texas Hold ‘Em night in the Fitzwilliam Restaurant (organised by Garbhán, Margaret Forrest, Denise Enright and John Kelly ably supported by the IT Solutions Sports & Social committee), and a table quiz organised by Garbhán in Dunshaughlin. Between both events, €8,000 approx was raised, with all funds going to Fr Augustine in the Apam hospital 50 miles approx west of Accra.

Funds Go To HIV/AIDS Control & Support Team
Fr Augustine's HIV/AIDS Control and Support Team was set up to provide aid to victims of the virus, who, due to the stigmatisation associated with HIV/AIDS, are the most vulnerable and neglected in their society. The Control & Support team distribute food and drugs, provide counselling services, regularly visit the worst affected, and promote a positive attitude and a sense of self worth through different schemes and activities. Fr Augustine also provides assistance for AIDS Orphans who can no longer attend school due to a lack of money for school fees. ESB ElectricAid has provided funds to the Apam Hospital in the past. While visiting the hospital Garbhán was shown Government audited accounts by Fr. Augustine and met some of the patients there.

Electrical Work – Cabling in Computer Room to Be Completed Today
Wiring on the Teachers’ Communications Room and the Library are now completed and the crew are revisiting earlier blocks of rooms to complete final fittings of fixtures now that the ceiling panelling has been finished. The crew was delighted when Daragh Mulligan, after spotting an ad in a local paper, was able to source a telecoms wholesaler. This has been the icing on the cake again and it now means the cabling and equipment for the computer room will be completed and tested by today.

Painting – Second Coats In Remaining Rooms
The painters are now applying second coats to the remaining rooms and completing the filling and preparation on the external pillars of the blocks that have been finished by the contractor.