Bono Manso is a historic community in the Nkoranza-North district of Bono East region, notable for its role as passage for slaves in ancient times. Today,it has evolved into a thriving tourist center, featuring a statue of Martin Luther Jr.
The primary occupation of most people in the community is cashew farming which provides a livelihood for many families. The community’s fertile soil and favorable climate make it an ideal location for cashew cultivation. In addition to cashew farming,some residents also engage in small-scale agriculture, growing crops like maize,yams and cassava.
As a newly posted teacher in the community in 2018, the visionary identified a pressing need to improve the low academic performance of the community’s three schools. With the support of two dedicated colleagues, Joshua Addai and Amoah Amos, they helped establish the Bono Manso Community Library. This initiative has significantly contributed to raising student achievement in the community. Their tireless efforts and commitment to education have been instrumental in helping the community establish a thriving learning environment. The other teachers in the community soon recognized the significance of the library and its profound impact on the students’ academic performance. Inspired by the progress, they joined forces, contributing their expertise and enthusiasm to further enhance the learning experience. Together, they’ve created a collaborative and supportive environment that has fostered academic excellence. The chief of the community impressed by the initiative’s success, proudly endorsed the project, signing the agreement form on behalf of the community.
Initially, the library faced the challenge of finding a dedicated space. Undeterred, they began by bringing books from home to school, determined to share the joy of reading with the children. However, this temporary arrangement had its drawbacks. Some books were damaged, and attracting students to the makeshift classroom library proved difficult. Despite these challenges, perseverance paid off. The Spot has evolved into a thriving center of learning and growth. Theyoffer a range of programs, including EduKids ( literacy for lower primary), EduLit ( literacy for junior high) and Ignite Equity ( empowering boys and girls to achieve their dream). The Spot also organizes a variety of events, including education weeks where students showcase their talents. Despite initial hurdles, the dedication has created a thriving learning environment, fostering a love for reading and education in the heart of the learners.
The vision for the future is to establish a state-of-the-art library with a fully equipped ICT lab and ample space for learning and growth. The Spot aspires to be a hub of excellence that nurtures students’ potential, empowering them to reach new heights in life. The ultimate aspiration is to witness the success of students who have benefited from the Spot’s resources and guidance, becoming influential leaders and Catalysts for change in their community and beyond. They are dedicated to continually enhancing and expanding their services, providing a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders and thinkers
