Sr. Paulina Osei, HDR, Headmistress of Our Lady of Fatima (OLAF) School at Kpong in the Koforidua Diocese of Ghana’s Eastern Region has described the School established by the Handmaids of Divine Redeemer(HDR), Accra as a beacon of hope shaping lives of young people.
“This institution stands as a beacon of educational excellence, shaping the future of our young minds in remarkable ways,” she said in an interview with Newswatchgh.com.
As a privately owned Catholic School , it was established in 2001 with the idea mooted by the HDR Sisters at the Annual General Meeting at Agormanya in the year 2000.
This came about in fulfillment of implementing an article in the HDR Constitution which states that, we are to care for women and children in the Krobo land (locality) and in Ghana as a whole.
Based on that the HDR decided to establish a reputable School to give first class education to children, especially, the girls in the locality, under the leadership of Sr. Consolata Agyepong, the then Superior General of the HDR.
The HDR is an indigenous Catholic Women Religious Congregation based in Ghana, and was founded by the late Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers, Divine Word Missionary, (SVD) in 1957.
“We embrace a modern approach to education, incorporating technology and innovative teaching methods, Sr. Osei said, noting, “This prepares students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world, equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in various fields.”
Sr. Osei who took charge of the School in 2021 said, “Our School does not only imparts academic knowledge but also fosters a holistic development approach, and added, “Our dedicated faculty goes beyond textbooks, instilling values, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility in each learner.”
“The result is a generation that not only excels academically but also exhibits strong moral character, she told Newswatchgh.com on January 12, 2024, stating, “The School’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident in its diverse extracurricular activities.”
She noted that from sports to arts, learners have the opportunity to explore and nurture their talents, fostering a sense of self-discovery and confidence.
“Beyond academics, the School promotes a supportive and inclusive environment. The emphasis on diversity and inclusivity ensures that every child feels valued and accepted, fostering a sense of community among the learners,” the OLAF Headmistress pointed out.
According to her, over the years, the School has chalked many successes including winning an award in an International French Quiz in 2022 organised French Anchor and the Ghana Education Service and winners in article writing competition on identifying Community Problems to reinforce the need for sustainable Development Solution organised by the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) at Somanya.
In 2022, OLAF also won a trophy for participating in a debate during the Catholic Education Week and also won the third position in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Games, the first time the School participated.
At the academic level, Sr. Osei affirmed that during Basic Education Certificate Examination, (BECE) in 2010, the first batch of 22 candidates registered a 100% pass and there had been a sturdy improvement in their performances every year with high quality grades, making it possible for them to enter their respective first choice Schools.
The School, she added, was adjudged the 3rd best in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal, out of 64 Schools presented by the Municipality.
According to her, the 2016/17 batch raised the banner of the School high again, placing third out of 68 Schools from the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality. The School had always scored 100% in the BECE, she added.
In 2021, 53 of the candidates presented scored 100% while in 2022, 52 candidates presented scored 100% and OLAF was adjudged the first in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality.
Sr. Osei said the academic performance of OLAF School cannot be underestimated, therefore appealed to parents and guardians to enroll their children and wards in the School for a better education.
By Damian Avevor
