Five educational institutions in the Ho Municipality have undertaken a community service project at the Ho Municipal Hospital aimed at improving the healthcare environment and promoting volunteerism among pupils.

The initiative brought together pupils, teachers and administrators from Pearls of Wisdom International School, Care International School, Royal Praise Academy, Tower of Ivory Academy and Elated Kids Educational Complex.

As part of the exercise, participants repainted sections of the hospital, installed therapeutic images on walls and donated essential supplies to support healthcare delivery.

Speaking during the event, programme coordinator Dzidudu Dake Mensah said the annual initiative is intended to encourage children to develop a sense of social responsibility through community service.

According to her, the participating schools deliberately place children at the centre of the project, allowing them to lead fundraising and donation efforts with support from their parents.

"We believe it is important to teach children the act of service. Every year, we undertake a community service activity led by the children themselves. They mobilise support, seek contributions from their parents and actively participate in the project," she said.

Mrs Dake Mensah recalled that last year's exercise involved the planting of 100 trees along a newly developed street in Ho, alongside public education on sanitation and community wellbeing.

She explained that the Ho Municipal Hospital was selected this year to support children receiving treatment and to contribute towards improving conditions at the facility.

The donated items included tissue rolls, detergents and other essential supplies, all of which were contributed by the pupils.

Medical Superintendent of the Ho Municipal Hospital, Dr Dunyo Yaotse Agbleze, expressed appreciation to the schools, describing the intervention as timely and beneficial to both patients and staff.

He noted that healthcare facilities often rely on support from communities and organisations to complement government efforts.

"The schools have done very well. They have painted the place and made the environment more conducive for the children who receive treatment here," he said.

Dr Agbleze added that a pleasant environment could contribute positively to the recovery and wellbeing of patients, particularly children.

He also appealed to individuals, organisations and community groups to continue supporting the hospital.

The Administrator of Elated Kids Educational Complex, Jennifer Makafui Nefa, commended the participating schools and encouraged more institutions to join future editions of the initiative.

She said the programme provides practical lessons in compassion and civic responsibility while supporting the work of healthcare providers.

"We invite more schools, NGOs and other organisations to join us so that together we can make a greater impact," she said.

Mrs Dake Mensah expressed hope that the initiative would encourage greater collaboration among schools within the municipality.

The organisers indicated that they intend to sustain the partnership with the hospital and expand future community service activities to reach more institutions and communities.

Meanwhile, the Nurse-in-Charge of the Children's Ward, Hadjatu Mandey, commended the schools for their contribution towards improving the facility.

She said she was impressed by the transformation of the ward and noted that the improvements would help create a more welcoming environment for children receiving treatment.

Ms Mandey, however, appealed for further support, noting that some sections of the facility still require painting and renovation.

She specifically identified the ward's toilet facilities and other rooms as areas requiring attention and called on individuals and organisations to support ongoing improvement efforts at the hospital.