Of women ululating for joy!

On May 27, the first PAMBE Ghana -supported school was inaugurated in Bumboazio in the East Mamprusi District. It was highly festive occasion. The women of the villages, in particular expressed themselves through ululation, a traditional cry of joy at public events. The occasion brought together strategic partners, collaborators, community leaders, traditional chiefs, and supporters of PAMBE Ghana. These included the District Chief Executive and Coordinating Director, Ghana Education Service, Health Directorate, the National Health Insurance Scheme, Information services as well as representatives of the Nayiri (the King of Mamprugu) and other personalities. There were over 40 dignitaries and invited guests who came to the event. In addition, almost all the people of Bumboazio and Bantambaari and many neighboring villages and of course the children and their parents came to the event. The estimate is that between 200 and 250 people attended. The (Northern) Regional Minister was poised to come to give the keynote address but had to change his plans just the day before because of an unexpected visit by the President of Ghana to the north The celebratory event was marked by three types of traditional drumming and dancing. With the heat generated from this merry-making as well as the hot African sun, over 600 plastic sachets and 100 half-litre bottles of water did not suffice to quench everyone’s thirst. PAMBE Ghana had to supplement with gallons of ordinary water women brought in from the village. Thanks to weeks of planning and preparation by the PAMBE Ghana local advisory committee, and much behind the scenes work on the day itself, the inauguration event was a huge success. The size and diversity of the crowd was one never seen in the remote village of Bumboazio before, with so many dignitaries. Many gave speeches, which included that of the District Chief Executive, representatives of the Nayiri (King of Mamprugu) and a representative of the PAMBE Board of Directors in the US. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the District Chief Executive (who is the President of Ghana’s representative at the district level) and his entourage went into the classroom to observe the students at work and learn a thing or two about the PAMBE Ghana approach. The children were into their routine of learning as the visitors came through the classroom. The visitors were truly impressed! Many remarked on how the children remained calm and engaged in their work despite the crowd in the classroom. While the teachers presented a few exercises, the visitors watched the children, while others asked them questions about their work. The Inauguration and official naming of the school on May 27 was a milestone in the program and strategy of PAMBE Ghana. The preparations and the inauguration itself tremendously raised the profile and legitimacy of PAMBE Ghana. It also strengthened our credibility as a partner and advocate in the district for making quality primary education accessible to children in underserved communities. Finally, it raised awareness of the merits of mother-tongue literacy, and helped make PAMBE Ghana a recognized name among peer agencies in the district.