Filed by: Moses Dari Dorlintey
The Member of Parliament for Wa West, Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, has issued a two-month ultimatum to selected communities to commence the construction of the MP-led Kindergarten (KG) school blocks.
According to the MP, the initiative forms part of efforts to ensure that every child in the constituency has access to basic education. He assured the communities of his full support to make the projects successful.
Hon. Toobu made this known during a meeting with Assembly Members and other stakeholders to deliberate on the implementation of the project.
He revealed that about one thousand (1,000) bags of cement have been earmarked for the exercise, with each beneficiary community expected to receive fifty (50) bags to support the construction of a KG block.
The MP explained that during the 2024 general election campaign, he identified several high-population communities in Wa West that do not have any educational facilities.
As a result, children in such areas are compelled to walk long distances to access education, a situation that disproportionately affects very young children and contributes to low enrolment and illiteracy.
To address the challenge, Hon. Toobu said he has engaged Assembly Members, traditional authorities, women groups and youth leaders in ten selected communities to establish one KG school in each community.
He stressed that the project would be driven by communal spirit and modest infrastructure, encouraging local participation and a sense of ownership.
Under the arrangement, one volunteer teacher will be engaged for each KG school and supported with a monthly stipend until the schools are officially absorbed into the public education system.
He revealed that any volunteer teacher who is ready to serve his/her community would receive his stipend by the ending of February.
The MP further noted that the programme is being implemented in consultation with the Wa West District Director of Education, and that selected volunteer teachers will undergo orientation before being deployed.
Beyond enhancing early childhood education, the initiative is also expected to reduce the burden on women in beneficiary communities, who will be able to leave their young children at school before proceeding to farms or markets.
Hon. Toobu emphasized that the project is meant to complement government efforts rather than replace them, with a clear roadmap for the KG schools to be transitioned into the public education system.
He added that the focus is on community ownership and sustainability rather than dependency.
