Empowering Education: How Innovative Practices Are Elevating Education in Gushiegu
The Pastor Collins School Complex in Gushiegu, northern Ghana, illustrates how strategic partnerships and training can transform educational practices. Founded by Collins David Dabo, the school has experienced significant growth and improvement in recent months, partly due to the support from the Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning program funded by USAID. This partnership has already been instrumental in refining the school's financial and operational management.
Collins David Dabo first opened the school with a vision to provide quality education in his community. He shared, “I came here for a wedding ceremony. Looking around and trying to speak with the children, I realized that many of them could not respond in English. So, I thought, why not start a private school where we can teach the children to understand and speak English?” His commitment to improving educational standards led him to found the school, which began with just 12 students and has now grown to 422.
School Financial Management Transformation
One of the significant changes at the school, influenced by the activity, was in how fees were collected. Initially, Dabo collected fees termly – which is a common practice, but he shifted to a daily payment system after receiving training from the activity. Dabo explained this transformation: “Before the project, we collected fees termly, which was a challenge for many parents. With the training we received, we learned that a daily payment system could better accommodate parents’ financial situations and improve our cash flow management.”
Caption: Collins David Dabo teaching a class
This adjustment in fee collection has been crucial for both the school and its families. By switching to daily payments, the school has made education more accessible and addressed the financial concerns of parents who might struggle with larger, lump-sum payments. This flexibility has proven beneficial for many families, as reflected in the experiences of parents like Abdulai Muftawu.
Abdulai Muftawu, a parent with a child in KG 1, shared how the daily payment option has impacted him. “It was GHS 1 daily [USD 0.07]. However, the school had to adjust the price upwards... We agreed to the proposed fee adjustment, so now I pay GHS 2 every day [USD 0.13].” Muftawu appreciates this flexibility, stating, “Paying daily gives me the opportunity to come to the school every day, which helps me assess my child’s performance.” This approach also helps him manage his finances more effectively, as he explained, “Paying daily is easier for me and fits my budget well. Paying monthly isn’t cost-effective if my child doesn’t attend school every day.”
Addressing Infrastructure and Performance Challenges
CAPTION: Classroom block at Pastor Collins School Complex
The shift in fee collection is just one aspect of the improvements at Pastor Collins School Complex. Dabo and parents have noted various challenges, particularly regarding infrastructure. Dabo highlighted the issues with the school’s facilities, noting, “The infrastructure is very poor, especially during the rainy season. When it rains, they have to close early because the building leaks.” To address these challenges, the school has started a fund where parents contribute GHS 10 [USD 0.64] monthly to support infrastructure improvements.
The positive effects of the program extend beyond basic financial management. Dabo has observed significant improvements in the school’s performance and management already. He noted that the training was pivotal in transforming the school’s operations. “Good financial management will help us improve the school’s standard,” Dabo said, emphasizing the impact of the training on the school’s progress.
Looking ahead, both Dabo and the school’s parents are hopeful for continued improvements. Gloria Adam, a parent, expressed her vision for the future: “In five years, I’d like to see our children having a good learning environment, so even if it’s raining, they can continue their classroom activities.”
The partnership between Pastor Collins School Complex and the Advancing Partnerships for Improved Learning activity has significantly influenced the school’s development. The shift from termly to daily fee collection, a direct result of training by the activity, has enhanced financial management and accommodated parents’ needs better. With continued support and engagement, Pastor Collins School Complex is set to provide an even better educational environment for the children of Gushiegu, demonstrating the impact effective partnerships and training can have on educational success.
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