Hungry pupils in basic schools at Abankoro in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region are no longer abandoning classes over feeding constraints, as they are now assured of regular meals in school.
This follows the innovative efforts of a 38-year-old female Class 3 teacher at Abankoro M/A Basic School, who has created a food bank from her meagre resources to feed pupils in the farming community.
Abigail Boakye, who also distributes school uniforms to needy pupils in the area, has earned praise from education authorities.
Abankoro M/A Primary and JHS had for some time been battling a growing number of pupils’ absenteeism. Authorities at the Ejisu Municipal Education Directorate say many pupils stayed away from school because their parents were unable to feed them.
However, through the intervention of Madam Boakye, who established the food bank in the school, pupil retention is no longer a challenge for teachers.
At least 325 pupils and their teachers in the local primary and junior high schools are regularly served breakfast.
Abigail Boakye also provides basic necessities such as food, school uniforms, shoes, and socks to pupils who lack them.
“Coming here, I realized that learners were not coming to school as expected. So I went out to find out the main reason why learners were not coming to school. Enrolment was very low. Through my investigation, I realized that learners do not have the basic needs required.
“And you can see that hunger is a major hindrance to learning. If a child is hungry, that child cannot concentrate in class. So that is what led to absenteeism and low attendance,” Abigail Boakye told JoyNews.
The Headmistress of Abankoro M/A Junior High School, Joyce Kusi Mensah, said the gesture has improved academic work, as pupil retention has increased.
According to her, pupils who come to school on an empty stomach are now assured of a meal.
“The kids need support like this. When they get food like this, they are encouraged to come to school. In one way or the other, it motivates them and helps increase enrolment,” she said.
School Improvement Support Officer for the area, Dominic Kwadwo Adu, told JoyNews that the era when pupils stayed at home due to their parents’ inability to provide food is over.
He praised Madam Boakye, describing her as an exceptional teacher.
“It is a very good programme to help the children, especially those who do not have money during break time. This programme supports them and also helps them to learn,” he said.
The Ejisu Municipal Education Director, Kwabena Owusu, said he had noticed Madam Boakye’s dedication during her previous posting at Ejisu Model School, where she supported needy pupils with uniforms, shoes, and socks.
He noted that she extended this initiative to Abankoro M/A Basic School after she was transferred there two years ago.
Mr. Owusu said her contributions not only promote teaching and learning but also inspire leadership among teachers.
“Most times, parents are not able to feed their children well, so when they come to school, it becomes very difficult to teach them,” he said.
“I appreciate what she has done at Abankoro. When children are not well-fed, teaching becomes difficult. What she has been doing is helping,” he added.
Madam Abigail Boakye was crowned Best Differentiated Learning Teacher at the 2025 National Teachers Awards.
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