For more than a decade, Crosscause has been sending aid to Ghana — to the Volta Region, around the town of Ho — supporting hospitals, communities, and schools. Among all our efforts there, education has always held a special place in our hearts.

The reality of schooling in this part of Ghana is far from what we know in Ireland. In many villages, a “school” might be little more than a roof and a few stone blocks that serve as seats. In others, there may be walls and a blackboard, but no doors, windows, or proper desks. Even in the more established schools — those considered “good” by local standards — the need for basic materials remains constant. Books, furniture, and teaching supplies are always in short supply.

For over ten years, we’ve tried to make a difference. Each year, as part of our two regular shipments to Ghana, a large portion of what we send includes school desks, chairs, tables, and boxes of textbooks. Many of these come from Irish schools that contact us when they’re upgrading or renovating classrooms. Sometimes a teacher, a parent, or even a caretaker loads a van or car and drives the donations all the way to us in Blackrock, Co. Louth.

Earlier this year, we were honoured to see this simple idea — helping schools while reducing waste — taken to a whole new level. The Environmental Department of Mayo County Council, with the help of Sharon Cameron, coordinated a wonderful initiative that gathered school furniture and books from schools across the county. Using waste management funding, they managed to collect, sort, and prepare a full 40-foot shipping container packed with desks, chairs, and educational materials.

That container is now on its way to Ghana, where its contents will be distributed among schools across the Ho Region — helping hundreds of children learn in safer, cleaner, and more dignified classrooms.

What makes this project truly special is that it goes beyond charity — it’s a great example of sustainability in action. Perfectly usable school books and furniture are given a new life instead of ending up in landfills. It’s a practical way to protect the environment and improve lives at the same time.

We hope this inspiring project encourages other counties, schools, and teachers to get involved. Sometimes what we no longer need can become the very thing someone else has been hoping for.

If you’d like to learn more about how your school can take part in future collections, please get in touch at info@crosscause.ie