Boankra Village, Ghana – Restoration Project
The Ship’s Company of HMS Endurance helped renovate and refurbish a nursery school in Boankra village, 4 hours north of Tema in Ghana, 11-12th May.
LOGS(PERS) Joe Otchere coming into his home town, Ghana
Ships company raised £1800 pounds on board back in April through various charitable events and local boy (LOGS PERS) Joe Otchere (from Ghana) contributed an additional £600. The money was used to purchase materials needed for the roof repair, tools and paint that would be required to affect the restoration.
The children of Boankra Nursery School were very excited by our arrival
Lt Lou Brimacombe with the children
15 members of the ships company were warmly welcomed into the village by both the children and the elders of the village and along with other local craftsmen they worked hard to re-roof the entire building which had been leaking and cracking for some time.
PO(MEA) Penny Penfold helping to repair the school roof
PO(AET) Max George helping to fix the roof
As you can see it was extremely hot working conditions – Lt Robbie Nash and Lt Lee Vessey
The whole building was then repainted inside and out. During a break in the work the boys found time to have a quick game of football with the children. The work was completed just minutes before a torrential down pour which had crept across from the coast and so the timing of events was perfect!
The school was painted inside and out, plus a whole new roof
After the work was completed, the boys played football. Pictured is ET(ME) Jonathon Roach
Some cheating from ET(ME) Ian Offlands
On completion, the village members hosted a BBQ for the crew to express their gratitude for the work done. Everyone was presented with Kente strips, specially woven in Ghana, by the `Queen Mother’ of the village, Nana Akua Afriyie.
Si Meridith being presented with Kente strips, specially woven in Ghana
Joe gives thank-you speeches at the end of the day and the school is presented with a plaque of the ship
The event was a huge success with smiling faces all around. For Joe, who joined the Royal Navy in April 2004 this was a fantastic opportunity to go back home and help his local community. `The whole village especially my family are extremely proud of what I have achieved since joining the Navy. It was also fantastic for them to meet other members of the Ship’s Company and to actually witness first hand the good that we do. It was a special day for all in the village and I know they will not forget it’.
Loving the stickers and RN gifts
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