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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have commissioned a newly renovated kindergarten block in Zini, located in the Sissala West District. The project, which was co-financed by the European Union (EU), is designed to expand access to early childhood education and create an integrated learning environment for both refugee children and those from the host community. The initiative marks a significant step in providing quality foundational training in a region that has seen an influx of displaced persons.
The newly inaugurated facility is equipped with essential amenities to support a modern and safe learning environment, including new furniture, specialized washrooms, and a kitchen. To ensure the safety of the young learners, the block has been enclosed with a fence. This renovation was carried out under the broader UNITE Project, a collaborative initiative that targets improvements in the sectors of education, health, and social protection across vulnerable regions.
During the commissioning ceremony, EU representative Gisela Spreitzhofer commended the Zini community for their cooperation and lauded Ghana’s inclusive policy toward refugees. Dr. Peter Kwarteng of UNICEF emphasized that providing quality education in a safe, integrated setting is vital for the developmental health of all children, regardless of their background. Local leader Kuoro Abu Diaka Sukabe Ninia V expressed deep gratitude for the project, describing it as a critical foundation for the future of the district’s children.
The ceremony was attended by various educational and governmental representatives, highlighting the multi-sectoral support for the initiative. By focusing on the integration of refugee and host community children, the project aims to foster social cohesion while addressing the immediate educational infrastructure needs of the Sissala West District. This intervention is expected to serve as a model for inclusive early childhood education in regions hosting displaced populations.