Sr. Mary Kizita Otoo, a member of the Handmaids of Divine Redeemer (HDR) Congregation of Accra and head of Kressner Handmaids Children’s Home and Divine Providence Catholic School at Otaten in the Accra Archdiocese, has highlighted the two institutions’ mission of helping young ones to learn and become impactful in the society they find themselves in.
Speaking at the 10th anniversary climax and speech, and prize-giving day, Sr. Kizita made mention of the school’s service to the children and neighbouring communities by catering for their educational needs.
She said, “Recognizing the need to provide our children with access to quality education, Divine Providence School Annex, now Divine Providence Catholic School was born initially to cater for the educational needs of the Home, but eventually opened up to our host communities, but it may interest you to know that the school serves beyond. Its boundaries”.
The school, which initially started with 26 children and three staff members in 2015, has seen significant growth this year, with approximately 400 children and 39 staff members.
According to Sr. Kizita, the school has achieved numerous milestones over the past 10 years, including infrastructure expansion and success in national competitions.
“We have witnessed significant growth in our infrastructure and student enrolment, providing more opportunities for quality education… our learners excelled in the SKAI Abacus National Competition, securing 1st place in 2023”, she said.
She, however, stated some challenges facing the school and appealed to various stakeholders to come to their aid in addressing these challenges.
Some challenges include encroachment due to the lack of proper fencing, limited accommodation for children and staff due to an increasing population, costly utilities, especially for water and electricity, and poor road networks.
Sr. May Kizita also called for a reform in the education system of the country, stating that the education system is full of unhealthy competition, and this affects the well-being of learners in school.
She said, “A reformed education system should foster a supportive environment, encouraging collaboration over competition. By doing so, we can help learners develop essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. This, in turn, will empower them to thrive in an increasingly complex world”.
Present at the celebration was the Most. Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, who was the Special Guest of Honor, and Dame Dr. Mrs. Mary Anane Mensah, who chaired the celebration.
Other guests were Nii Okai Annan I, Chief of Adeyman, Sr. Elizabeth Paula Nkansah Otchere, HDR, Superior General of the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer of Accra, Rev. Dr. Abinga, Deputy Director of Education for Ga-West Municipal, Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare, Sisters from the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer of Accra Congregation, parents, staff and well-wishers.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
