Twenty years after graduating from Accra Academy, the Bleoo 2005 Year Group of the Accra Academy Old Boys’ Association (AAOBA) celebrated their anniversary with a forward-looking gift to their alma mater: the construction of a state-of-the-art Fabrication Laboratory (FAB LAB). This USD67,000 project promises to revolutionize STEM education at Accra Academy, providing students and teachers with critical digital skills and fostering a culture of innovation. Funded by JP Trustees Limited and its sister companies, the initiative highlights the group’s dedication to giving back and empowering future generations of students with skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The lab, an important addition to the school’s infrastructure, is slated for completion by October 2025, embodying the school motto: “non scholae sed vitae discimus” – We learn not for school, but for life. This investment ensures that Accra Academy remains at the forefront of institutions providing practical and relevant education.

The FAB LAB is designed to be a transformative space for STEM education. The state-of-the-art lab will equip students and teachers with access to cutting-edge technology and resources. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional educational practices and the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce, specifically in growing sectors such as technology and engineering.

The new Fabrication Lab will feature:

• 3D Printing and Prototyping Equipment
• Robotics and Automation Tools
• Computer-aided design workstations
• Digital Fabrication Resources

Bleoobi Abass Ibrahim Tasunti noted during the anniversary launch, “Life has treated us all differently since we parted ways as students over the past 20 years…we are proud to give back to our beloved school through this initiative that will empower the next generation.” The lab is expected to train over 500 students annually in digital skills, alongside equipping approximately 30 teachers with advanced teaching methodologies.

The anniversary launch saw strong attendance, reflecting the deep connections within the Accra Academy community. Representatives from the 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 Year Groups of AAOBA, the 2005 Year Group of St. Mary’s Old Girls Association (SMOGA 2005), the 2005 Year Group of Accra Girls Old Student Association (AGOSA 2005), and the 2005 Year Group of the St. Augustine’s Past Students Union (APSU 2005) were all present. Heritage Brewing Company, makers of Heritage Craft Beer, supported the event. Mr. Joseph Amoa-Awuah, President of the Accra Academy Old Boys’ Association (AAOBA), urged the group to maintain unity and foster innovative ideas.

The 20th-anniversary celebration will continue with additional activities in the coming weeks, including potential inter-school sporting events, furthering the sense of community and shared purpose.

Accra Academy, established in 1931, is a leading secondary educational institution in Ghana, recognized for its commitment to excellence and guided by the motto: “Esse Quam Videri” (To Be, Rather Than To Seem).

The Bleoo 2005 Year Group’s gift of a Fabrication Lab represents a significant milestone in Accra Academy’s continued pursuit of excellence, enhancing STEM education and offering invaluable opportunities for students and teachers. This project embodies the spirit of the school’s motto, “Esse Quam Videri,” and the dedication of its alumni to give back and shape a brighter future. The FAB LAB will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the school and its students, fostering a culture of innovation and providing access to advanced technology for generations to come. This anniversary project and the establishment of the STEM education lab will benefit the institution for years to come.