In Ghana we are collaborating with the International Cocoa Initiative and Nestlé to improve the quality of education in cocoa-growing communities. Together we have donated 100 desks made from recycled plastic by Mckingtorch Africa to the Kojo Nkwanta D/A School under the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.

The school, which has a high student population, faces a significant shortage of desks, forcing two to three pupils to share one desk. This challenge also affects enrolment, as newly admitted students are often required to purchase their own desks before being accepted, placing a financial burden on many families. The limited furniture further leads to overcrowded classrooms, reduced comfort, low attendance, and decreased student participation, all of which were affecting teaching and learning.

Additionally, as one of the Adansi Asokwa District’s examination centers, the school frequently borrows desks from nearby schools to accommodate students during exams.

To help address these challenges, we donated 100 durable desks made from recycled plastic to the school. This intervention will not only enhance the learning environment but also contribute to environmental sustainability through the reuse of waste plastic.

Representatives from the school, community, Parent-Teacher Association, and the Ghana Education Service expressed their appreciation for the donation and pledged to maintain the desks. The Chairman of the School Management Committee also noted the broader impact of ETG | Beyond Beans’ initiatives to reduce child labor, which have contributed to an increase in kindergarten enrolment from 7 to over 70 pupils in the past three years.

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