The ongoing support of Sharp Business Systems (UK) PLC (SBSUK) has helped Newill Academy, a primary school in Koforidua, Ghana, to reach the next crucial phase of its construction. Recent milestones for the project include adding cover for the building’s first-floor classrooms, as well as laying the foundations for new teaching spaces.
Previously a Ghanaian teacher, the project is spearheaded by SBSUK’s Customer Support Engineer of 18 years William Newman.
William comments on the school’s progress: “The first-floor classrooms have now been covered and the foundations have been laid for additional classrooms at the rear of the building. I honestly cannot thank my colleagues at Sharp enough for their continued hard work and generosity in getting this money raised,. Their ongoing fundraising efforts this past year means we can now finance the slab reinforcement of the second floor which is fantastic.”
To help the next phase, a team of 5 from SBSUK took part in the gruelling 12km Leeds Total Warrior race through water, fire, and mud, raising over £2,150 towards the expansion.
Part of a larger project to support the school to completion, SBSUK staff also held a Newill Academy fundraising day which included collections of stationery, clothing, and toys for the school’s children. Ranging from books, IT equipment, and school furniture, SBSUK customers have also flocked to support the construction, which should prove to be a pivotal development in Koforidua.
William talks about why he started the project: “I decided to set up the academy after a holiday in Ghana, where I saw children sitting with their parents who were trading on the roadside. No government school existed in the area and these families were priced out of attending private school, so I wanted to help.”
William founded Newill Academy in 2010 to provide education and support for local children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sarah Coates, Head of HR at SBSUK , added: “Enriching young lives has been major strapline for Sharp’s CSR strategy, and this primary school project has been a major part of our very own William Newman’s life since 2010, so we just had to get on board. We can often forget about those who are further afield, but it’s important to give support where we can.”
See how you can get involved with the project here: newillacademy.org
