Electric Mail > General > August / September 2009 > Ghana Teshie Technical School Project

Ghana Teshie Technical School Project

As soon as the first Teshie School Project was completed in October 2008, a second project on the development of a technical school commenced there. The project is the result of discussions with local stakeholders, who highlighted the need for vocational training in the areas of life and business skills. Woodwork, including boat building/repairs for the local fishing community and coffin making, is an already thriving business in the locality, which will be enhanced through vocational training. Other key skills areas include metalwork, tailoring/ dress making and hairdressing.

Progress on local tenders and contractors
After a tendering process, two construction contracts for the new Teshie Technical School were awarded in December 2008, with contractors starting work on-site in January. In addition, civil works tenders for the supply of electrical equipment and painting materials were prepared in conjunction with local architect Mr. Yooku Sampson and issued to companies in the area throughout June.

ESB volunteer team getting ready for August
The next team of ESB volunteers are tasked with wiring, painting and preparing the technical school for opening and the volunteers are scheduled to depart for Ghana in early August. A familiarisation session held in quarter one this year prepared staff for the range of conditions on-site in Ghana and briefed them on the issues of health, safety, environment and culture there. Special attention was given to the deadliest member of the insect world, the Mosquito, which spreads disease in that part of Africa.

ESB delegation meets Ministers and Director General
In mid-May, ESB's Teshie Project Manager, Brian Cronly, visited Accra to check progress of construction works underway on Lot I, site of the technical school and Lot II, which consists of a kindergarten, a canteen and a vendors market.

During the visit Brian spent time with key stakeholders including: ESB's local project coordinator, Mr Chris Adom, who arranged meetings with Minister of Education, Mr Tette- Enyo, Regional Minister Mr Ashitey and the Director General of the Accra Metropolitan Authority, Mr Bannerman Mensa. The ESB delegation was warmly welcomed and was assured of the full cooperation of state bodies.

ESB container of goodies welcomed by Teshie school children
A container of books and badly-needed stationary, including pens, jotters, rulers and crayons, was recently delivered to the school from ESB. School Supervisor, Ms Justine, organised a presentation ceremony with 'goodies' being distributed to a number of young class representatives. “It was a real pleasure to see the look of delight on children’s faces when they received their gifts,” commented Brian Cronly. “It’s great to see our first project up and running so successfully, it all bodes well for the completion of the technical school and facilities coming soon.”

Fore more information contact Michael O’Connor, e-mail Michael. OConnor@esbi.ie, Tel: Office (01) 7038141 or Brian Cronly, e-mail brian.cronly@esbi.ie, Tel: Office (01) 703 8155.

A photo of Young carpenters carry an empty fished shaped coffin through the streets of Teshie. This is one example of the growing woodcraft industry in the locality. For the Ga tribe in coastal Ghana, funerals are a time of mourning but also of celebration. People believe that when their loved ones die, they move on into another life. The tribe honour this passing with brightly coloured coffins that celebrate the way they lived.

Pictured Young carpenters carry an empty fished shaped coffin through the streets of Teshie. This is one example of the growing woodcraft industry in the locality. For the Ga tribe in coastal Ghana, funerals are a time of mourning but also of celebration. People believe that when their loved ones die, they move on into another life. The tribe honour this passing with brightly coloured coffins that celebrate the way they lived.

A photo of (l-r) Mr Yooku Sampson, Mr. Chris Adom, Brian Cronly, Teshie Project Manager, ESB, Mr Bannerman Mensa, Director general of Ghana Education Services, Dr JS Annan,
Deputy Minister for Tertiary Education, (sitting) Mr Enyo-Tette Minister of Education and Mrs Elizabeth Amoa-Tetteh, Deputy Minister for Pre-Tertiary Education.

Pictured (l-r) Mr Yooku Sampson, Mr. Chris Adom, Brian Cronly, Teshie Project Manager, ESB, Mr Bannerman Mensa, Director general of Ghana Education Services, Dr JS Annan, Deputy Minister for Tertiary Education, (sitting) Mr Enyo-Tette Minister of Education and Mrs Elizabeth Amoa-Tetteh, Deputy Minister for Pre- Tertiary Education.

A photo of ESB Teshie Project Manager, Brian Cronly, goes 'back to school' for a presentation of ESB-donated stationary to pupils.

Pictured ESB Teshie Project Manager, Brian Cronly, goes 'back to school' for a presentation of ESB-donated stationary to pupils.

A photo of Construction works in progress on the new technical school in Teshie, Ghana.

Pictured Construction works in progress on the new technical school in Teshie, Ghana.



		Ghana Teshie Technical School Project As soon as the first Teshie School Project was completed in October 2008, a second project on the development of a technical school commenced there. The project is the result of discussions with local stakeholders, who highlighted the need for vocational training in the areas of life and business skills. Woodwork, including boat building/repairs for the local fishing community and coffin making, is an already thriving business in the locality, which will be enhanced through vocational training. Other key skills areas include metalwork, tailoring/ dress making and hairdressing. Progress on local tenders and contractors After a tendering process, two construction contracts for the new Teshie Technical School were awarded in December 2008, with contractors starting work on-site in January. In addition, civil works tenders for the supply of electrical equipment and painting materials were prepared in conjunction with local architect Mr. Yooku Sampson and issued to companies in the area throughout June. ESB volunteer team getting ready for August The next team of ESB volunteers are tasked with wiring, painting and preparing the technical school for opening and the volunteers are scheduled to depart for Ghana in early August. A familiarisation session held in quarter one this year prepared staff for the range of conditions on-site in Ghana and briefed them on the issues of health, safety, environment and culture there. Special attention was given to the deadliest member of the insect world, the Mosquito, which spreads disease in that part of Africa. ESB delegation meets Ministers and Director General In mid-May, ESB's Teshie Project Manager, Brian Cronly, visited Accra to check progress of construction works underway on Lot I, site of the technical school and Lot II, which consists of a kindergarten, a canteen and a vendors market. During the visit Brian spent time with key stakeholders including: ESB's local project coordinator, Mr Chris Adom, who arranged meetings with Minister of Education, Mr Tette- Enyo, Regional Minister Mr Ashitey and the Director General of the Accra Metropolitan Authority, Mr Bannerman Mensa. The ESB delegation was warmly welcomed and was assured of the full cooperation of state bodies. ESB container of goodies welcomed by Teshie school children A container of books and badly-needed stationary, including pens, jotters, rulers and crayons, was recently delivered to the school from ESB. School Supervisor, Ms Justine, organised a presentation ceremony with 'goodies' being distributed to a number of young class representatives. “It was a real pleasure to see the look of delight on children’s faces when they received their gifts,” commented Brian Cronly. “It’s great to see our first project up and running so successfully, it all bodes well for the completion of the technical school and facilities coming soon.” Fore more information contact Michael O’Connor, e-mail Michael. OConnor@esbi.ie, Tel: Office (01) 7038141 or Brian Cronly, e-mail brian.cronly@esbi.ie, Tel: Office (01) 703 8155.		Pictured Young carpenters carry an empty fished shaped coffin through the streets of Teshie. This is one example of the growing woodcraft industry in the locality. For the Ga tribe in coastal Ghana, funerals are a time of mourning but also of celebration. People believe that when their loved ones die, they move on into another life. The tribe honour this passing with brightly coloured coffins that celebrate the way they lived. Pictured (l-r) Mr Yooku Sampson, Mr. Chris Adom, Brian Cronly, Teshie Project Manager, ESB, Mr Bannerman Mensa, Director general of Ghana Education Services, Dr JS Annan, Deputy Minister for Tertiary Education, (sitting) Mr Enyo-Tette Minister of Education and Mrs Elizabeth Amoa-Tetteh, Deputy Minister for Pre- Tertiary Education. Pictured ESB Teshie Project Manager, Brian Cronly, goes 'back to school' for a presentation of ESB-donated stationary to pupils. Pictured Construction works in progress on the new technical school in Teshie, Ghana.