In 2025, as one of our major projects, we provided a school in Abodom with a 13-cubicle toilet block. Having completed that project, we wanted to do something similar for two more adjacent schools in the same village. In this case, we planned an 18-cubicle block to serve both schools.

So we set about fundraising and, through a special Christmas appeal to our supporters, we managed to raise enough money to get the project under way. Work began in March this year and was completed in August. Then, in September, trustees Simon, Caroline and Isaac, together with our committee member Cynthia, travelled to Ghana to attend the official opening of the facilities, just as we had done in 2025.

Once again, it was a marvellous occasion. The Queen of Abodom and her sub-chiefs were in attendance, along with various dignitaries from the Education Department, representatives of the PTA, the community chairman, and, of course, lots of children and staff. There were plenty of speeches, and some of the children entertained us with some marvellous choreographed dancing, as well as a poetry recital.

As AZAR representatives, we were delighted to receive all the thanks expressed to our team and to our supporters. We were also honoured to be presented with a Fugu each — traditional Ghanaian ceremonial dress. We were very blessed throughout the whole experience to be there and to get a real sense of the joy that these new facilities have brought to the community.

So, a huge thank you to all our supporters who got behind this project. You have made a community very happy, while providing facilities that will serve many children and staff for years to come. And that, ultimately, is what AZAR is all about.