Our Partnerschool in Asesawa in Ghana:

 Since 1995 the private secondary school Michaelbeuern an the school of the Steyler Missionaires of St. Augustin have been cooperating in a school-partnership in Asesawa in Ghana. In the following we will oitline the concept behind this cooperation.

 The school in Asesawa:

Asesawa is located in Western Africa’s state Ghana, an approximate 130 km north of the capital Accra. The current political situation is stable and so there may be hope for a prospering future of the country’s economy.

Currently there are 655 pupils in primary- and secondary school, a vocational school will soon be established. The school – as well as the parish – is being managed by the Steyler Missionaires. Head of the Team is Father Joja from India, who is supported by team-members from Indonesia, Poland and Ghana. These Missionaires are also well-known to many Austrians, as they are also managing a college in Mödling and are editing the famous magazine “Stadt Gottes”. They supported us in our search for a suitable pa

The state of Ghana tries hard to educate all children (compulsory education is for 9 years) and the government is building many new schools – also in cooperation with non-governmental institutions. So besides many different confessions and private initiatives, the catholic mission St. Augustin (parish and mission) also sustains a school. They are responsible for any construction- and maintenance costs arising, whereas the government has to come up for the teachers’ salaries.

 In the beginning, classes where held outside an so it was a real challenge to offer proper education – not only during raining periods. Now little by little new classes are being built by parents, teachers and pupils – but that can only be achieved with the help from sponsors!

 The support from Michaelbeuern has already made up for two new buildings – the target is to educate all pupils indoors.

 The partnerschool-project:

 A partnerschool can become an opportunity for both sides. Especially the pupils – as they are our future- should be able to learn everything about our planet. That can be reached best by meeting new friends and not just by learning things off-by-heart! As the planet is constantly growing together, we should also face our future together – in tolerance and peace. But people are not born with these values, we have to learn and practice them!

Pen pals are one way of meeting people and telling them about joys and worries, hobbies and one’s way of life. Furthermore they are a way of getting to know yourself a bit better.

It is also an opportunity to improve the pupils’ English, which will also have positive effects on other school subjects, like for example geography. It is vital to offer support in development – but only where it is needed and wanted.

The way from the idea to the partnerschool:

In 1995 the first letters were sent between Austria and Ghana, where pupils from both countries were invited to become pen pals. Mr. Roider and his first-class back then were very excited about this idea and wrote letters to the pupils in Asesawa. These letters were delivered by Josef Eisenmann from Oichten, who for years has built wells in Africa, an Hans Gangl from Eggelsberg on their frequent journeys to Africa.

Hans Gangl Preserved his impressions on photos and videos – they are showing eager pupils, writing to their Austrian pen pals, introducing themselves to the camera and repeating the national anthem on drums. This was the promising beginning…

 The project today:

By now, there are 150 pen pals – they do not only write about personal matters but also about informative subjects like festivals, the four seasons, geography, music and arts. We have been able to support the following projects:

·       Exchange of educational manuals (music, paintings and drawings; projects in geography, like “tell me something about your country”); regular exchange of letters in English

·       New forms for the first and second grade of the primary school (1996)

·       Building of “Michalbeuern Workshop”, a schoolhouse, which includes three workshops and a head office (1996-1998)

·       Renovation of three classrooms of JSS, construction and equipment of the assembly room (1998/1999)

·       Construction of the St.-John-church in Abuorso (1999-2001)

·       Renovation of the church in Asesawa (2001)

·       Renovation and painting of the nursery (2001)

·       Construction of the “Michaelbeuern JSS/Library”-schoolhouse, including three classrooms, one library and two storerooms
(2001-2004)

·       Construction of a parish-hall (2001-2002)

·       Construction of an advanced-training-center for the “Christian Mothers” (2003)

·       Construction of a church in Conconey (2001-2005)

·       Support of two children suffering from polio (2004)

 Current projects:

·       Equipment of the workshops in “Michaelbeuern Workshop”

·       Equipment of the library and acquirement of books and a photocopier

·       Medical and social support (scholarships for families)

·       Renovation of various outstations

 Donations-report:

Since 1996 we have been able to transfer € 50.000 directly to our partnerschool. This amount was made possible through the support of pupils, parents and teachers and the donations from private persons.

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