Spring Newsletter
Dear Friends and Supporters
We are writing at a difficult time for all as we adapt to huge changes to our working days and routine. With countries in lockdown worldwide, Ghana too is taking measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. Schools are now closed for all students until further notice. At AME we are keeping our teachers, support staff and farm workers on full salary, so that they and their families can be as secure and as safe as possible. Despite the crisis, we want to share news of our recent positive developments.
Class of 2019 ‒ Graduation
In January, Wioso Senior High School hosted its second graduation. Forty-two students celebrated their results, which were an improvement on last year’s. Pass rates increased from 62% to 73%, and in terms of university entrance, 39% obtained entry requirements, as opposed to 28% in 2018.
The celebration was attended by AME Trustee Christopher Bielenberg, Yannick Stubbe from the Toni Garrn Foundation, the local chief and hundreds of pupils, teachers and members of the local community. There was dancing, poetry, drama, a display of products from the farm, and of course the prize-giving.
Two plaques were unveiled to mark the building of the girls’ dormitory, and to honour the dedication and hard work of James Riggs, the founder and first CEO of Alma Mater Education. Paolo Mele, the new CEO, and Bella Huddart, who will be convening a new Alma Mater Patrons group (more soon), attended the celebrations.
On the farm
Although the school has been shut down, the activity and productivity at the farm continues to increase. A recent donation has enabled the expansion of the farm with the aim of maximising revenues for this rainy season starting in March, and we recruited two more workers to prepare twenty acres for planting. In addition, Bosman, our farm manager, took a group to the Centre for No-Till Agriculture managed by Dr Kofi Boa. The centre promotes simpler and more environmentally friendly farming practices which focus on natural methods to encourage a nutrient-rich soil, including minimal soil disturbance and good ground coverage to improve moisture and green manure.
Back at the farm we have planted maize, onions, cabbage and are preparing three acres for some more organic pineapples. We are working closely with HPW, a Swiss dryer and exporter of fruit.
Sports at Wioso Senior High School
The Sports Department has been a formidable force in the shaping, growing and enhancement of the school since its inception. The unstinting effort of everyone involved in the department in delivering resources and enabling logistics has led to some excellent results.
Headed by Mr Prince Oppong, the department has participated in both district and regional sporting events organised nationally by the Inter-Colleges Sports and Athletics Federation under the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Alma Mater came second out of eight schools participating in the Inter-College Volleyball Games in Kumasi, and third in the zonal games in soccer. Now we are preparing earnestly for the regional athletics competition, where our team will take part in all track and field events.
How you can help
Like most other charities, we hope to continue to generate income through this difficult period.
If you’re now working from home and in a secure job, would you consider donating your monthly or season-ticket travel costs to Alma Mater Education? Or the price of your usual morning coffee and croissant while you work from home? Just £35 covers all costs (including accommodation) for a student for one month, and £150 pays a teacher’s salary.
You can make a donation here