In recent years, we’ve built a strong relationship with Porridge & Pens, operating in Ghana. We’ve funded two years of the headteacher’s salary at Brightlingsea Academy and, prior to that, we supported the build of four classrooms. This year, we are delighted to be working with them once more. We are financing further building work – this time, extending upwards with five new classrooms on the first floor. Here we update on the latest building works as well as the success of headteacher Ben Antwi Boateng. The benefits for Brightlingsea Academy’s 260 children are wonderful to see.
Two years of Ben Antwi Boateng at Brigthlingsea
Between 2020 and 2022, Hazel’s Footprints Trust has funded the headteacher’s salary at Brightlingsea Academy. The headteacher is Ben Antwi Boateng, and Porridge & Pens “believe the school and our students are at their happiest, healthiest, and performing at their highest level yet because of the guidance and leadership offered by our passionate and dedicated headteacher”.
Some of Ben’s achievements as headteacher, across the challenging Covid-19 pandemic period, include:
- School results are the hightest yet across the board.
- Overseeing the build of the new Junior High School, and now working to secure government-funded teachers
- Successfully managing 25 members of staff and 260 children every day at the school. One recent visitor said “the Brightlingsea Academy is the most joyful place I have ever visited on this earth”.
- Keeping children safe from deadly malaria and other illnesses – Ben ensures that staff recognise the symptoms and act quickly to obtain medical support
- Collecting 12 children every day in his car, to bring them to school – Ben sets off very early in the morning and makes multiple trips to ensure that children, with long distances to walk, make it to school each day.
- Becoming legal guardian to students who have been orphaned. Ben is now legal guardian to five children who have no one to care for them since the loss of their parents. Ben ensures the children are cared for, remain in the village, and continue to attend Brightlingsea.
Classroom progress (September 2022)
Brightlingsea Academy is well on its way to finishing the Junior High School, funded by Hazel’s Footprints Trust. The new JHS is within the same grounds as the primary school. Five new classrooms are on track for completion in late October 2022.
The school will enable children aged 12-14 to continue with their education. Local masons (builders) have been employed full-time to complete the works.