On the invitation of Apidon Royal College in Ouagadougou, staff and students of Great Victory Academy in consultation with stakeholders, embarked on a trip to Burkina Faso, with a cross-section of students for a four-day Educational Trip, from February 15 to 18, 2024. A total number of 91 students and 12 staff members travelled in two buses and a private vehicle. This Edu-Trip was to broaden the students scope and appreciation of cultural diversity and to enhance the utilisation of the French language.
The prime purpose of the trip, however, was to inaugurate an Avenue christened Great Victory Avenue, designed to host public events in the school. Additionally a newly constructed dormitory building at the Avenue, where we were hosted was named after Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana. This would solidify the existing partnership which has been running since 2019. As a prelude, we engaged in a football match to herald the event.
There was also a parade by the Cadet Corps of both schools and the Regimental Band of Great Victory Academy, in honour the President of Apidon Royal College, Dr. Gambetta and the Proprietress of Great Victory Academy, Rev Mrs Comfort Quartey. In attendance were staff and students of both schools, parents, security officers, the Media, Chief and Elders of the community, among others.
As a side attraction, our students
were afforded the opportunity to experience the rich cultural diversity and history of this West African nation, throughout our stay in Burkina Faso. Our students dedicated time for a tour of various educational sites and monuments that epitomize the beauty and diversity of the country.
Notable highlights of our Educational Trip included visits to:
1. The Ghana Embassy in Ouagadougou( our first point of call).
2. The Thomas Sankara Monument ( memorial of his assassination as well as 12 others)
3. The Knowledge or Wisdom Park ( a park with diverse wild life comprising, various species of birds , chimps monkeys, python, a large 20 year hippopotamus, et cetera. We had our lunch here too).
4. The Loumbila Beach Resort ( an artificial beach resort on the shore of a constructed dam with several interactive play material, sports complex, swimming pools, a mini zoo, speedboats and jet skis for use on the dam.
5. stopover at a The Old Parliament Building( constructed by France) in the heart of Ouagadougou.
6. A drive through the, administrative, business and commercial centres in the heart of the city, back to Ghana, with all staff and students excited with the experience.