Mohammed Kudus and Black Stars medical doctor inspire students at St. Nicholas Charity School, Tema

Kudus Mohammed, the 2024 Footballer of the Year at the Ghana Football Awards for the second consecutive time, chose the school for his first post-award engagement, highlighting his commitment to uplifting underprivileged communities

Football star Mohammed Kudus and Dr Prince Kofi Pambo, the team doctor of the Black Stars were at the St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School in Tema Newtown to deliver inspirational messages to the students about the importance of education and perseverance.

St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School, founded in 2012 by the St. Nicholas Charity Foundation, serves the Bankuman area, a community where many parents are fishermen and lack the means to support their children’s education.

The school provides free education, uniforms, school supplies, and two meals a day to its 208 students, from crèche to junior high school.

Mohammed Kudus, who also comes from a deprived community, shared his personal journey with the students, encouraging them to take their education seriously and dream big.

“I understand the challenges you face because I faced them too. Education is your key to a better future. Stay focused and work hard, and you can achieve anything,” the “Starboy” told the students.

The visit, arranged by Dr Prince Kofi Pambo, the team doctor of the Black Stars, included various activities such as basketball and football exhibitions.

Kudus interacted with the children and delivered a short speech that resonated deeply with both students and staff.

“Coming from a similar background, I know how important it is for these children to see that their dreams are achievable. Mohammed’s visit is a beacon of hope for them,” Dr. Pambo added.

Ivan Quashigah, a renowned Ghanaian filmmaker and the founder and CEO of Farmhouse Productions, serves as a trustee of St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School. He expressed his gratitude for Kudus’ visit. “Having someone of Kudus’ stature take the time to visit and inspire our students is incredibly special. It shows them that they are not forgotten and that their dreams are valid,” Quashigah said.

Since its inception, St. Nicholas has maintained a 100 percent pass rate in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), with graduates continuing their education at Keta Secondary School through the free Senior High School (SHS) programme.

The school’s success is a testament to the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. The operational costs of the school are covered through donations from individuals and organisations. The initial funding came from a US $100,000 grant from the Maria Tsakos Foundation, based in Greece.

The foundation, associated with Tsakos Shipping, identified the educational needs in the community during their business operations in Ghana.

The Greek Orthodox Church construction project in Tema was the catalyst for the school’s establishment. Observing numerous school-aged children idle and not attending school, the foundation took the initiative to gather these children and provide them with education, starting under a simple shed with one teacher.

Over the years, the school has grown, offering education up to the junior high school level. Quashigah emphasised the importance of community support for the school’s success.

“Our mission is to provide these children with the education they deserve, regardless of their financial background. We rely on the benevolence of individuals and organisations to keep the school running, and we are grateful for every bit of support,” he said.

The school not only focuses on academic excellence but also on the holistic development of the children, incorporating sports and extracurricular activities into their curriculum.

This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with essential life skills.

The school’s success stories are numerous, with students excelling in various fields. The first and second batches of graduates have all benefited from the free SHS programme and are making strides in their academic pursuits. Some are studying science, others are pursuing general arts, and all of them are on a path to a brighter future.

“As the children of St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School continue their educational journey, they do so with the knowledge that they have the support and encouragement of role models like Mohammed Kudus and the trustees who are dedicated to their success.

The visit by Kudus not only inspired the students but also brought attention to the incredible work being done at St. Nicholas, highlighting the importance of supporting such initiatives,” Quashigah added.

In a community where financial constraints often hinder educational opportunities, St. Nicholas Charity Preparatory School stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support and determination, every child can achieve their dreams.

Noteworthy are the contributions of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, championed by Honourable Minister Nikos Dendias.

The Ministry has donated funds for classrooms, the construction of a basketball pitch named after Greek basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo and many other interventions. Tsakos Hellas, beyond its initial donations, has continued to support the school in many ways.

The Mytilineous Metka Group has continued to be one of the biggest supporters of the school. The company built a modern canteen, which includes a kitchen and restrooms. The company has also helped to complete a number of classrooms and recently provided a brand new bus for the transportation of students to and from the school.

From Sammy Heywood Okine