Partnerships

SCHOLAR

Click here to download the Scholar PDF

FRIENDS OF MANGU

We have developed strong links with Mangu Junior Secondary School in Ghana. Mangu School is in the town of Wa in the Upper West Region. There is a significant north-south divide in terms of wealth and there are high levels of unemployment. Around 80% of the community live below the poverty line and average daily earnings for labourers are only about 65p.
The school was originally founded by Methodist missionaries as recently as 1992 but the buildings were constructed from mud brick and only lasted 2 years. After this, the community attempted to rebuild but ran out of money and the incomplete construction collapsed.
In 2006, classes had to meet in the open under the shade of trees and, while this might sound idyllic to us, in the wet season, pupils and staff are crammed into very dilapidated buildings which the primary school vacated.

At that time, the school population was around 350 but attendance was poor for a variety of social reasons. There were very few resources – only 3 blackboards, a few tables and chairs and it seems astonishing that pupils had to bring their own desks to school each day!
Head teacher, Mark Naga, and the community were desperate to rebuild the school to create six classrooms, a staff room and an office. Ultimately they wanted to establish a school library and a computer room.
It is difficult for us to imagine the huge hurdles which have to be overcome in order to achieve even a minimal level of education in such conditions.

Mr Smart, Principal Teacher of Biology, spent two years working in the community and on his return to Scotland was committed to raising funds to support their project for a new school. 'Friends of Mangu' was established and Earlston High school supports the charity. To date we have raised over £11,000.


Our link with Ghana is an exciting venture for both schools and provides many valuable and lasting educational and cultural bonds for both communities. Earlston High School now has its own Ghana Day on the 5th March. Students have also followed Mr Smart's lead and have enjoyed time in Mangu, supporting the community as part of Gap year experiences.

Here are some photographs from Ghana Day 2010, when we celebrate our link with Mangu.

Here are some photographs from Ghana Day 2010, when we celebrate our link with Mangu.