Dozens of government officials, community and religious leaders, local chiefs and tribal elders, and school administrators and staff, along with most of the 1,045 students who attend the Father Dogli Memorial Technical Institute (DOTECH), gathered for festivities and celebrations at a handover ceremony held on 4 February, 2025. DOTECH, a public school in New Ayoma in the Oti region of Ghana, hosted the event in acknowledgement of a donation of practical tools and equipment made to the school by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President of the HoHoe branch hands of the church donation to the school on 4 February 2025.
Brother Samuel S. Kokroko, branch president of the Hohoe Branch, hands over The Church's donation to the school on 4 February 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Founded in 1997 by the Reverend Father Dogli, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Keta-Akatsi, DOTECH’s mission is to provide education, especially technical and vocational training, that gives young people in the area an opportunity for better employment prospects. Offering 11 different programs such as building construction, cosmetology, plumbing, hospitality services, and more, the school has been successful across all programs offered. It achieved a pass rate of 92.75% in 2023. However, rapid growth in the school has strained the resources available, challenging its ability to continue with its success. Recognizing the need for help in acquiring the needed resources, the school reached out to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for help.
In recognition of the impact the school is making and has the potential to make, the Church responded by providing resources for several of the programs, including equipment and practical tools ranging from industrial sewing machines to computerized pattern cutting machines, digital multimeters, soldering irons, styling chairs, computers, routers, projectors, refrigerators, hack saws, pliers, wire strippers, and much more. Also donated were two 10,000 litre poly tanks for storing and providing clean water to the students. These tools and the donated equipment enable the students to receive hands-on training and gain valuable experience that will benefit the community and the country in years to come.
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In his opening prayer at the donation ceremony, the Reverend Father Godwin Asante, Chaplain for the school, thanked the Lord for the donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and asked that the Church be blessed with prosperity so that it could continue serving others through its humanitarian efforts.
In her opening address, Mrs. Brigitte Afi Dzakah, School Principal of DOTECH, expressed her profound gratitude for the Church's donation saying, "Today is a testament to the fact that what once seemed impossible has now become a reality, reminding us of the words of Matthew 19:26, 'With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
Commenting on the school's commitment to ongoing technical and vocational excellence, she continued: “The need for modern tools and equipment was one of the present challenges we encountered. At times, we wondered how we could equip our students adequately to meet industry standards with the limited resources available. But as the Bible tells us in Philippians 4:19, ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ Indeed, through divine intervention, He has supplied our needs through the generosity of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Students perform dances in celebration of the donation on 4 February, 2025.
Students perform dances in celebration of the donation on 4 February, 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.In their responses, Elder James Grandon, counselor in the Accra North Mission, and Brother Samuel S. Kokroko, branch president of the Hohoe Branch, explained to attendees that the Church is following the example of the Savior, and they noted that contributions for the donation come from fast offering donations from members of the Church across the world. Elder Grandon shared with them the words of King Benjamin, that "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God."
In commending the accomplishments of the school, Elder Grandon explained that the scriptures tell us to "seek learning, even by study and also by faith," admonishing students, faculty, and staff alike to develop their faith in God along with their teaching and learning of technical and vocational skills.
Various other attending dignitaries and officials spoke, all expressing in similar language their immense gratitude and appreciation for the generous donation from the Church. Summarizing them all, DOTECH Vice Principal of Adminstration, Madame Irene M.D. Tamatrey, closed with her remarks: "On behalf of the entire school community, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our respected guests and donors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and all well wishes."
Besides the expressions of gratitude from the dignitaries, students from the school, at various points in the program, expressed their excitement and gratitude through a series of cultural performances, including a drill display from the junior military cadets, songs by the school choir, and dances and drum performances. The festive atmosphere continued to permeate the campus well after the ceremony came to a close.