At the beginning of this academic year, September 2023, as we began preparations for the 20th anniversary of our dear TIS, the DP1 class embarked on an ambitious journey of “Transforming Lives.” Launched during the 20th anniversary Durbar, under the theme “Celebrating our Founders: The Importance of Vision and Values,” this service project aimed to raise awareness and funds for Anorectal Malformation (ARM) and support the Paediatric Surgery Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. Rooted deeply in the school’s core values of service, this initiative reflects the foundational principles envisioned by our founders, which guide all our actions at TIS.
Understanding Anorectal Malformation
Anorectal Malformation (ARM) is a congenital disorder characterised by the improper development of the rectum and anus. This serious condition can lead to significant complications if not addressed early, including infection and long-term health issues.
Despite its severity, ARM remains under-recognised and often stigmatised in Ghana. Our project aimed to raise funds and enhance awareness about this critical health issue, advocating for early diagnosis and treatment to improve the lives of affected infants (World Health Organization, n.d.).
Project Activities and Community Engagement
Throughout the academic year, fundraising activities engaged our entire school community. These ranged from hosting food sales on campus to leveraging the proceeds from Dr Ken Darvall’s (Principal) book, The Teaching Guarantee: Every Day is Different, and organising ticket sales for our anniversary production, the adaptation of “The Price of Egypt,” at the National Theatre. The second semester featured the Chocolate Friendship event and Expression Day, raising GHC 100,000.00. These efforts brought us closer to our financial goal and solidified our community’s dedication to the values of service and our collective effort.
Impact and Donation to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
The climax of our project was a significant contribution to the Paediatric Surgery Centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Although we initially intended to donate an ultrasound machine, we adapted our support to provide five non-evasive monitors after learning the hospital had already acquired one. On Friday, 19 April, a delegation from our school, composed of students and staff, visited the hospital to donate these monitors and funds to support the corrective surgeries of babies with ARM.
Special thanks to Dr Yalley, our school doctor, whose instrumental role in identifying the urgent needs at the hospital and informing us about them was crucial. His commitment and insights have been pivotal in steering our project’s direction.
The Importance of Service and Ongoing Commitment
As the CAS Coordinator at TIS for nearly 14 years, I have witnessed these service visits’ profound impact on our students, staff and the communities we engage with. Each visit strengthens our resolve and deepens our gratitude and awareness of our blessings. Service is a fundamental aspect of the IB Programmes. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a core component of the Diploma Programme, and service as action and community projects, a core of the Middle Years Programme, propels our students to take meaningful action. This project exemplifies our commitment to service, showing how our students can identify community issues and devise practical solutions. While our contributions might seem modest against Ghana’s broader health challenges, they represent vital steps toward long-term change.
Reflecting on the “Transforming Lives” project during this anniversary year reinforces the foundational principles of our school, inspired by our founders’ vision of a society where everyone could thrive. I am deeply grateful to the entire TIS community—parents, especially those of the IB class of 2025, our Principal, Dr Ken, for his generous donation and continuous support, and alumni, staff, students, and friends for your commitment. Together, we continue this journey, driven by the core values of service, to make a meaningful impact.
May God bless TIS and each of you for your commitment and contributions to our shared goals. Together, we are transforming lives.
Surama King – CAS & Events Coordinator
References
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Congenital anomalies. WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/congenital-anomalies.
