St. Nicholas School Project, Making A Real Difference

The St. Nicholas School project which started in 2012 through the Maria Tsakos Foundation is making a real difference in the lives of parents, guardians, families and children in the depraved community of Tema, Manhean.

“The Tema Manhean community is summed up in two words. Abject Poverty. The only certainty the area provides for its teeming children is more poverty in adulthood unless help is provided".

This is where the St. Nicholas School project comes in. The school’s motto is: "Every child has a right to education." The project celebrates the important role that school programs play in keeping Ghana's youth safe and engaged while grooming them to become successful adults.

Beginning with 28 children from four to six years in one class, it now has 95 pupils in five classes with 12 permanent teaching staff. Mr Emmanuel Donkor is the Headmaster of the school. The rest of the staff by first name are : Doris, Innocent, Wilhelmina, Josephine, David, Clement, Richmond, Isaac, Innocent, Aisha and Joseph.

St. Nicholas Preparatory School currently offers pre-school and primary education to under-privileged children living in the surrounding Tema Manhean fishing community. The children are taught English, Greek, reading, writing and other classroom skills.

The pupils are provided with school uniforms, books and writing materials and two healthy meals, as well as medical treatment. Pastoral care is offered and emphasis is also placed on life skills such as sanitation and moral education.

The children are required to only pay a nominal registration fee, while all other costs are borne by the school.

The current stage of the school's development program costing US$ 300,000 commenced in December 2013.

This consists of a two-storey building comprising nine classrooms for the current pupils to move up into primary, junior and senior secondary education. Currently three classrooms and the basement have been completed.

There are also long term plans for a vocational college to be constructed on the neighbouring site to teach skills such as IT, Construction and Tourism to complete the children's education.

This is a brave and bold initiative but for further progress to be made assistance is needed from sponsors and donors.

Captain Alkiviadis Kappas and Madam Deborah Eleazar of the Tsakos Group, in collaboration with the chiefs and people of the community are spearheading the project.

The current sponsors include: Vodafone, Sea and Shore, Leon Shipping, Tsakos Columbia ship management, Tsakos Hellas, St Mary Church Richmond UK, Teabag Charity, QBE Insurance and Mankoadze. There also a number of individual sponsors.

The site for the project was acquired with the facilitation of Nii Adjei Kraku ll, Paramount Chief of Tema. The collaboration between the traditional authority and the school is growing from strength to strength.

Every year the school, named after St Nicholas (Patron Saint of ships and sailors), holds an open day to coincide with St. Nicholas Day. The event provides the pupils an avenue to showcase their projects and works undertaken in the academic year.

At this year’s event brand new musical instruments donated by Aiglon College, Switzerland - Le Cerf were used by the pupils. The set is made up of 6 trumpets, 3 trombones and a number of Drums among others.

As part of the program there was a cultural display, beads bazaar, parade by the school’s naval cadet as well as recitals by the pupils. Nine year old Lawrencia Kemavor, a class three pupil was the toast of guests following her excellent delivery.

Innocent Sendzu, 8, a pupil who recently underwent surgery to remove his thumb and index finger on his right hand was back in school and participated actively in the open day activities. He was full of praise for the enormous help he’s getting from Captain Kappas, Madam Eleazar and other well wishers.

For the past few years, the St. Nicholas founders have worked tirelessly to provide the start-up capital and are now seeking additional funding to cover the running costs of the school.

“There are numerous ways in which you can contribute to our mission.” said Madam Eleazor.

“You can: Sponsor a child; Give a one off donation; Pay for the school meals; Donate educational materials; Donate clothing; Volunteer to teach at the school; Organize or assist in the organizing of fundraising events; Pay for the school uniforms; Purchase or pay for building materials and Sponsor a staff member’s salary.”

For further information please contact :

Tel: +233(0)503-883532

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.stnicholasprepcharity.temaghana.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Nicholas-Preparatory-School-Tema-New-Town