Kendall Ficken leads transformational creative arts initiative for Kwahu Pepease community

A remarkable story of faith, generosity and cross-continental partnership is unfolding at Pepease Presbyterian Basic School in Pepease, Kwahu in the Eastern Region, where a newly commissioned Creative Arts Center is set to transform the learning experience of pupils through music and the arts.

The initiative is being led by Kendall Ficken, a Chicago-based finance professional and recent University of Notre Dame graduate, with support from her family, the Ntim family, and Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.

Ficken's passion for the creative arts, particularly music, began at the age of five when she first picked up the violin. What started as a childhood interest has grown into a mission to create opportunities for young people through music education.

"It is about creating possibilities, giving students a space to express themselves, to learn, and to grow through music," she said.



For the Pepease, Kwahu, community, the Creative Arts Center represents more than an educational facility. It symbolizes hope, creativity, and opportunity for generations of students.

Ficken also acknowledged the collective effort behind the project, expressing gratitude to her parents, the Ntim family, Christ Lutheran Church, and everyone whose support made the initiative possible.

She expressed optimism about the future and said she looks forward to visiting Pepease, Kwahu, to meet the students and witness the growth of the programme firsthand.

In her welcome address, the Headteacher of Pepease Presbyterian Basic School, Millicent Owusu Kwakye, expressed appreciation to all the individuals and organizations whose support made the project possible.

"We are equally grateful to the Ficken family and Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, USA, for partnering in this noble cause. Your support reminds us that when people unite behind a worthy vision, extraordinary things become possible. May the Lord bless you," she said.

Prof. William Ofori Ntim thanked God for making the commissioning of the Creative Arts Center possible. He recounted the genesis of the initiative, explaining that his son, David, who was a classmate of Kendall Ficken, played a key role in connecting Pepease, Kwahu, to the project.

According to Prof. Ntim, the Creative Arts Center will significantly benefit both the students and the wider Pepease, Kwahu, community.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Sally Ntim, for her dedication to the project. He also thanked his senior brother, Frederick Osafo Ntim, and Agnes Ntim for their unwavering support and for Frederick Osafo Ntim's leadership in assembling the architectural and construction teams.

Prof. Ntim further acknowledged the foundational contributions of former leaders of the school, whose commitment helped bring the project to fruition. They include Rev. Kennedy Twum-Barimah, former District Minister; Irene Djabakour Djorbuah, immediate past Headteacher; and Vida Okaibea Krobea, former Music Teacher of the school.

Rev. Emmanuel Kwame Kwakye, Kwahu Pepease District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Local Manager of Presbyterian Schools, also commended the initiative and described it as a significant investment in the future of the children and the community.

Other dignitaries present included Sally Ntim (wife of Prof. William Ofori Ntim); Frederick Osafo Ntim, Chief Executive Officer of FON Group of Companies, and his wife, Agnes Ntim; Rev. Kennedy Twum-Barimah, Obo Kwahu District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana; Ebenezer Kofi Peprah, Chief Executive Officer of Western World Co. Ltd.; representatives of the District Directorate of Education; the leadership of Emmanuel Congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana; and members of the School Management Committee and the Parent-Teacher Association.