For years, the start of a new academic journey at Tengzuk Junior High School in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region came with an unexpected burden for parents and pupils alike. Beyond exercise books, uniforms, and school fees, pupils transitioning from Basic Six to Junior High School were required to provide something most families could scarcely afford: their own desks. In this rural farming community, where many households depend on subsistence agriculture, the cost of purchasing furniture often proved overwhelming. Some parents struggled for months to raise the money, while others had no option but to delay their children’s admission into Junior High School altogether. For those who managed to enrol, the reality in the classroom was far from ideal. Pupils sat two to a desk meant for one, while others perched on the floor, balancing their books on their laps as teachers tried to conduct lessons. “It was difficult to concentrate,” one pupil recalled. “Sometimes you are tired before the lesson even begins because you have nowhere comfortable to sit.” Teachers at the school say the furniture shortage affected not only students’ comfort but also the quality of teaching and learning. Crowded seating arrangements limited classroom movement, reduced participation, and made it difficult for teachers to effectively monitor pupils’ work. Over time, the situation began to take a toll on academic performance and attendance. That reality, however, has begun to change. Relief came when the Veggies Plus Rice Foundation, with support from the National Youth Authority (NYA) and the Handy Hand Initiative, donated ten dual desks to Tengzuk Junior High School. The intervention, though modest in numbers, has had a significant impact on the school community, restoring dignity to pupils and easing the financial pressure on parents. Receiving the desks on behalf of the school, the Headteacher of Tengzuk JHS, Mr. Victor Nambok, could not hide his appreciation. “This intervention is timely and very important to us,” he said. “The lack of furniture has been one of our biggest challenges. On behalf of the staff, pupils, and parents, I want to say a big thank you to the donors. We assure you that the desks will be put to good use and properly maintained.” For parents, the donation represents more than just furniture—it is a lifting of a heavy burden. No longer will families be forced to choose between feeding their households and buying desks for their children. Some parents described the previous requirement as discouraging, particularly for large families with several school-going children. “When your child completes Basic Six, you should be happy,” a parent noted. “But instead, you start worrying about where to get money for a desk. This support has brought us relief.” A member of the Veggies Plus Rice Foundation, Ms. Helena Akologo, explained that the Foundation’s mission is rooted in supporting vulnerable individuals and communities, particularly in the areas of education and social welfare. “We identified Tengzuk JHS because of the serious furniture deficit affecting teaching and learning,” she said. “Education is the foundation of development, and no child should be denied quality learning because they cannot afford a desk. This is part of our small contribution to improving lives, and we hope to do more in the future.” The impact of the intervention was evident in the excitement of the pupils. Smiling faces filled the classroom as students eagerly occupied the new desks, some experiencing the comfort of proper seating for the first time in their school lives. “This will help us learn better,” a pupil said. “Now we can write well and pay attention in class.” Another added that having a desk makes school feel more serious and motivating. “It makes us feel important and ready to learn,” she said. The donation ceremony also provided an opportunity for mentorship and guidance. The Upper East Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Francis Takyi-Koranteng, commended the Veggies Plus Rice Foundation for partnering with the Authority to support education at the grassroots level. He used the occasion to speak directly to the pupils, cautioning them against substance abuse, violence, and indecent behaviour. Emphasising personal responsibility and discipline, he reminded them that education alone is not enough without good character. “You are the future leaders of this country,” he told the students. “Stay away from drugs, violence, and behaviours that can destroy your dreams. Focus on your studies and build yourselves into responsible and successful adults.” His message echoed the NYA’s ongoing campaign theme: “Aspire to be a responsible, successful adult – say no to drugs, violence and inappropriate behaviour; your future is in your hands.” As lessons resumed under improved conditions, the atmosphere at Tengzuk Junior High School felt renewed. While challenges remain, the donation of desks has restored hope and reaffirmed the power of targeted community interventions. For the pupils of Tengzuk JHS, a simple piece of furniture has become a symbol of opportunity—proof that when communities, organisations, and institutions come together, even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Prosper Adankai/Contributor