Reverend Eastwood Anaba, President of the Eastwood Anaba Ministries, says Christian education shapes young lives to become Christ-centered people in every sphere of influence.
He said Christian education was not just about imparting knowledge but modelled younger generations to shine the light of Christ in all sectors of the economy.
Reverend Anaba said this in a speech delivered on his behalf at the 25th Anniversary launch of the Desert Pastures International School (DSP) in Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Regional capital, held on the theme: “Raising transformational leaders in a digital age,” which brought together stakeholders, including parents, teachers, pupils and representatives of sister schools in the Region.
The school, formally known as Fountain Gate International School, started in September7, 1999, because of the need for high-quality, carefully structured and Christ-centered foundation in education.
Reverend Anaba described the DPS as a beacon of hope, sanctuary of learning and a corner stone of development, and added that for the past 25 years, the school nurtured and instilled in pupils a blend of academic excellence, moral fortunes and faith-based values.
He noted that the Anniversary was not just the celebration of the past, but a reminder of the vision that birthed the institution,
“It is a testament to the resilience and foresight of the Founders, whose dream was to provide an environment where children could learn, grow and succeed, guided by Christian principles”. He stressed.
Reverend Anaba told the pupils that “The education you are receiving here is not just a key to personal success, but a tool to transform our communities. Carry the torch of DSP with pride, knowing you stand on the shoulders of great people and a great legacy”.
He said the work of teachers and staff of the school was sacred, as the lessons taught, values instilled, and their prayers sowed seeds of greatness in the pupils.
The EAM President, who is also the Senior Pastor of Desert Pastures, a branch church of Fountain Gate Chapel, acknowledged the contributions of parents and guardians, and thanked them for entrusting their children in the care and vision of the school.
“I encourage all of us to remain steadfast in our support for this school. Let us continue to invest in its growth, expansion in its reach and uphold its mission of raising God-fearing, responsible, visionary leaders for our nation and beyond,” Reverend Anaba said.
He further acknowledged the significant contributions of critical stakeholders of the school, whose benevolence saw the construction of a new Information Technology (IT) compliant preschool block fitted with Light Emitting Diode (LED) screens to improve on quality education.
The Director of the School, Reverend Mrs Rosemond Anaba, said the school started with four teaching staff and a janitor, and out of the four teachers, one doubled as Head teacher until it subsequently got a substantive Head.
She said the first batch of pupils, with the support of Reverend Anaba, moved from its former location at Daporetindongo, a suburb in the Bolgatanga Municipality to its present location, known as the ‘Wisdom Campus’ in November 2009.
She said by the end of the first year, the school’s population grew to 117 learners and had since expanded from a small institution to one of the category ‘A’ institutions in the Municipality.
She said apart from the Ghana Education Service syllabus, the school engaged in other programmes such as choreography, drama, arts and craft, science, girls guide, debate among other activities that equipped pupils with knowledge and practical skills to live healthy and responsible lives.
Reverend Mrs Anaba noted that the school had over the years churned out several professionals in the country, noting that one of its alumni recently graduated from the University of Health and Allied Sciences as a Medical Doctor with eight out of 12 awards.
She expressed gratitude to God and stakeholders for their continuous support to the school and prayed for God’s continuous guidance, mercies and protection for the school to continue to thrive for higher success.
GNA
