The Cedar Impact Network, working with KNUST Basic School, has started a project to tackle textbook shortages in disadvantaged areas by reusing old educational supplies. MyJoyOnline reports that the effort, named "Don't Throw It Away, Donate It," gathered more than 1,000 pre-owned but functional books from families and students at KNUST Basic School. These volumes, which often end up in trash or are burned once children move up a grade, were sent to Kensere and Bogyawe Basic Schools in the Bekwai area of the Ashanti Region.
Ing. Deborah Achiaa Baffoe-Bonnie, founder and executive director of the network, stated that the goal is to close the gap in resources for schools where many students lack fundamental texts. She added that the effort encourages sharing and eco-friendly habits, following circular economy ideas. Beyond the pre-owned books, the group provided fresh exercise books, notebooks, math kits, writing tools, and footballs to boost both study and play for the receiving students.
Francis Nsafoah, the deputy education director overseeing supervision and monitoring in the Bekwai municipal office, called the gift timely. He noted that the receiving schools have begun reading programs, such as early morning sessions and a daily page-reading routine, which need extra readers that the schools previously lacked. He promised that the schools would protect the books and use them wisely to meet their goals.
Rev. Irene Nkansah, head of KNUST Basic School, encouraged other well-funded private and mission schools to join the network to expand the project. She observed that many institutions hold many outdated books after each school year, which could be sent to help learners in poor areas instead of being discarded. The joint effort aims to boost quality education for children in the Bekwai area who find it hard to afford basic study tools.