Celebrating Environmental Stewardship: Ashanti Region Schools Win Jan Binder Awards

In a commendable display of commitment to environmental sustainability, three primary schools in the Ashanti Region of Ghana have emerged victorious in the prestigious Jan Binder Awards for the cleanest and most environmentally-friendly schools in 2023.

Topping the list is Sabs Dayspring Community School in Ahodwo, closely followed by CandyLand Educational Complex in Ejisu, and Kaas Montessori School in Asante Bekwai securing the first, second, and third positions, respectively. These schools have been recognized for their exceptional efforts in adopting and promoting green practices within their premises.

Established by Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans and Opportunity International Germany, the Jan Binder Awards aim to acknowledge and reward schools that maintain a clean environment while prioritizing the well-being of school children. Against the backdrop of increasing environmental concerns and public health issues related to pollution in Ghana, these awards serve as a catalyst for heightened emphasis on green initiatives across the nation.

The focus on basic schools underscores a strategic intention to instill positive traits of environmental consciousness in children from the early stages of their development. The evaluation criteria for the awards encompass various aspects such as green tree covers, well-maintained classrooms with regularly emptied waste bins, hygienic toilet facilities, and clean compounds equipped with hand washing facilities and lush green environments.

Anke Luckja, the CEO of Opportunity International Deutschland, emphasizes the importance of instilling environmental consciousness at an early age. She stated, "It’s difficult to change their mindset. So when you're a child, it's easier than growing up and learning to take care of the environment. We want to push and emphasize this need. Ghana is a beautiful country, so there needs to be a change in the environment."

Araba Mosner-Ansong, the Programs Manager for International and Partner Relations at Sinapi Aba, stresses the role of education in preserving the environment. "Education is important to preserve our environment, aside from that. We make sure their lessons have green and cleanliness practices that will help improve their health and psychological well-being," she affirmed.

Sabrina Matina Brempong, the Proprietress of Sabs Dayspring Community School, expresses her joy at the acknowledgment of the school's green efforts. "The green grass takes a lot of work, the planting of flowers and trees. It’s not just for the beautification of the school; children learn from it in environmental science practicals. And we are glad that our hard work has been seen," she shared.

The award ceremony saw Sabs Dayspring Community School receiving GHS 25,350, CandyLand Educational Complex securing GHS 16,900, and Kaas Montessori School in Ashanti being awarded GHS 8,450, along with accompanying citations. These monetary rewards serve as both recognition and encouragement for the continued pursuit of environmentally-friendly practices in these schools, setting a commendable example for others to follow. As these educational institutions pave the way for a greener future, their efforts underscore the vital role that schools play in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens from a young age.