By Raymond Rex Awiagah
In a bid to protect a school’s infrastructure against the devastating power of windstorms, the Rotary Club of Accra La East within Rotary District 9104 has undertaken a noble initiative to support the safety and well-being of students.
Recognizing the vulnerability of the educational institution after its roof was ripped off by a recent destructive windstorm, the Rotary Club of Accra La East took action by planting trees around the premises of Manle Dada Basic School at South La in Accra, Ghana's capital as an innovative solution to prevent future damage.
With windstorms becoming increasingly frequent and intense across the costal parts of Ghana, ensuring the security of school buildings has become a pressing concern for both educators and the entire community.
The extraordinary step taken by the Rotary Club of Accra La East marks a highly valued collaboration between the Rotaract club of Accra La East, management and students of Manle Dada Basic School and sponsored by Sandbox Beach , all working together to safeguard the educational environment.
The objective of the initiative was two fold, First is to help address environmental conditions and then to educate young minds about the importance of ecological sustainability.
Themed “Manle 200’ Tree Planting Project”, members of the Rotary Club of Accra La East gathered at the school premises early in the morning to begin the task of planting a range of 200 native tree species suitable for the local climate.
The significant role played by trees in preventing wind damage is well-established, as they function as natural windbreakers, reducing the impact and velocity of gusts.
Speaking about the initiative to Raymond News, the President of the Rotary club of Accra La East, Madam Emelia Sackey said, the initiative follows a directive made by the District Governor of Rotary District 9104, Mr. David Amankwah directing all clubs to make tree planting one of the focus areas for this Rotary year.
She emphasized the significant social and environmental benefits of the endeavor. “By planting trees around the school, we are not only creating a barrier against the destructive forces of nature but also contributing toward a greener and more sustainable future. She said.
Additionally, Madam Emelia Sackey said the initiative is also a way of giving back to the society by making a lasting impact in the communities they operate saying the exercise also falls in line with Rotary's key areas of focus.
The headmaster of Manle Dada School Basisc School Mr. Frank Okyere Preko expressed their gratitude and admiration for the efforts made by the Rotary Club of Accra La East. Emphasizing the educational benefits of such initiatives, Mr Okyere Preko said making the students participants of such initiative is a way of life being inculcated in the students to appreciate nature by taking care of the tree's survival.
The school prefect of the Manle Basic School, Carlos Ntrim express delight for the initiative by the Rotary Club of Accra La East saying it will help beautify the school. He assured of their commitment to water the planted trees on regular basis to ensure their survival.
As the trees grow and mature in the years to come, the teachers and entire students of Manle Dada Basic school can expect the much needed protection they have long waited for.