Committed to the Cause

Dear Lead For Ghana Community,

Welcome to this edition of Briefings From Lead For Ghana brought to you by the Mastercard Foundation. Here’s what to expect:

1. Beneficiary Spotlight: Noah Adzidah-Gati’s Path to Self-Discovery
2. Fellow Spotlight: Emmanuel Dieni’s Unwavering Commitment to the Cause
3. Alumni Spotlight: Dennis Quartey - Dedication, Resilience, and Transformation

Beneficiary Spotlight: Noah Adzidah-Gati’s Path to Self-Discovery

Noah Adzidah-Gati’s life took a transformative turn when three Lead For Ghana Fellows arrived at Posmonu Junior High School (JHS) in the Volta Region of Ghana. Their presence, dedication, and innovative approach to education created a lasting impact that has shaped his personal and academic journey. Today, Noah looks back at those formative years with immense gratitude for the opportunities and growth they inspired.

Noah was a student at a rural junior high school when the three fellows, Portia, Abigail, and Stephen, arrived. At a time when resources and opportunities were limited, these fellows not only brought quality education but also introduced initiatives that opened new doors for students like Noah.

One of the most significant contributions the fellows made was the introduction of the Development Through Arts program. Through this program, Noah discovered a previously hidden talent: architecture design. This revelation broadened his horizons, showing him that his abilities extended beyond the classroom and that there were multiple paths to success. The program sparked creativity and confidence in him, giving him a vision for his future that he hadn’t considered before.

In addition to arts, the fellows played a crucial role in Noah’s academic development, particularly in mathematics. Stephen, who taught mathematics, encouraged Noah and his classmates to “learn ahead of time.” Noah took this advice to heart, applying it diligently to his studies. When he went to Senior High School (SHS), he developed a strong interest in mathematics, especially in elective mathematics. This newfound passion and the advice to learn ahead of his class led Noah to excel in his studies at Mawuli Senior High School also in the Volta Region of Ghana, where he studied General Science. His academic journey was further enriched by Abigail, who introduced him to essay writing, helping him improve his English skills and develop a love for writing. In fact, Noah participated in an essay competition she organized and proudly secured third place.

The fellows' influence, as always, extended beyond academics. Noah vividly remembers the personal growth they fostered, particularly through the moral and ethical lessons they shared. One of the fellows, Stephen, taught Noah and his colleagues about morality and integrity, values that Noah still holds dear today.

Thanks to the strong foundation laid by the fellows, Noah has continued to pursue higher education. Today, Noah is a nursing student at Ho Nursing Training College in the Volta Region, following a path that he had envisioned since childhood. However, his passion for architecture remains alive, and he plans to combine his two interests in the future.?

"Nursing was my first passion, but I realized architecture is also one of my talents. In the future, I plan to pursue both.”

Despite the challenges his community faced, the fellows’ dedication to their students left a lasting impression. Noah credits their influence with his academic success and personal growth, stating that their commitment to teaching and mentoring has inspired him to give back to his community.?

"In the future, I see myself going back to underserved communities, either through nursing or by contributing to infrastructural development as an architect.”

As Noah continues his journey in both nursing and architecture, he remains grateful for the opportunities Lead For Ghana provided him. The program, through the tireless efforts of its fellows, opened doors he never knew existed and set him on a path of success and self-discovery.

Fellow Spotlight: Emmanuel Dieni’s Unwavering Commitment to the Cause

Background and Journey into the Fellowship

Emmanuel Dieni, a Lead For Ghana fellow, has always been driven by a passion to help others. He started his educational journey at Fijai Senior High School in the Western Region of Ghana, where he pursued business studies. However, his true calling emerged when he decided to study Development Education at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in the Northern Region of Ghana. Emmanuel was captivated by how education could serve as a powerful tool for development, transforming mindsets and capacities to contribute to the nation’s growth. His time at UDS further solidified his desire to help others, particularly in the educational sector, where he believed development could be fostered through the empowerment of young minds.

His desire to make an impact led him to the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), where he served and focused on public education, raising awareness about citizens' rights and duties. When Emmanuel discovered Lead For Ghana and its mission to bridge educational gaps, he realized it aligned perfectly with his aspirations. The fellowship, to him, was an opportunity to transform lives, particularly those of students in under-resourced communities.

Challenges and Triumphs in the Field

Upon joining the fellowship in 2023, Emmanuel was immediately confronted with the stark realities of rural education. His school, Bandaman Senior High Technical School in the Bono Region, was far from the town, and the students, many of whom had to walk long distances, were struggling academically, especially in reading and writing. Emmanuel quickly realized the gap between rural and urban education was significant, with rural students falling behind in literacy and other core subjects.

Determined to make a difference, Emmanuel took the initiative to organize early morning reading and writing sessions once a week for the students. These sessions targeted students who were struggling the most, especially those from the boarding houses who could attend early. Despite initial challenges with attendance, he witnessed improvements in his students’ literacy skills, which later reflected positively in their academic performance. By the end of the second semester, many students had progressed, with most scoring above 50% in their exams— a significant improvement from the previous 30% average.

Collaborative Initiatives

In addition to his personal efforts, Emmanuel teamed up with his fellow fellows and teachers to form a reading club. This initiative aimed to enhance students' presentation and debating skills, further building their confidence and literacy. Although their plans to hold a school-wide debate were delayed due to extracurricular activities, the club has already made noticeable improvements in students' communication abilities.

Emmanuel also spearheaded career guidance seminars to shift students’ mindsets about their future. In his community, most students aspired only to join the security services or pursue nursing, with little interest in university education. Recognizing this as a mindset barrier, Emmanuel and his colleagues organized a seminar where teachers introduced students to various career paths and educational opportunities. This intervention was well-received and opened the students’ minds to possibilities beyond their immediate circumstances.

Community Engagement

A critical part of Emmanuel’s approach has been engaging with the students’ parents and the broader community. During home visits, Emmanuel addresses the challenges many students face outside of school, such as overworking at home, which often leaves them fatigued and unable to concentrate on their studies. By speaking directly with parents, Emmanuel has worked to reduce the workload on students, helping them prioritize their education. Though not all families have adjusted, some students have shown marked improvements in their focus and energy levels at school.

Personal and Professional Growth

For Emmanuel, the fellowship has been transformative. His leadership and communication skills have grown tremendously as he has taken on responsibilities that challenge him to step outside his comfort zone. From organizing seminars to leading classroom sessions, Emmanuel has become more confident in presenting ideas and engaging with stakeholders.

His involvement in the fellowship has also helped him develop crucial networking skills. In the process of planning his capstone project, which aims to address the lack of proper bedding for students and the absence of a science laboratory at his school, Emmanuel has had the opportunity to meet with local leaders, including the District Chief Executive (DCE). This experience has not only strengthened his project management abilities but also opened doors to valuable community partnerships.

Looking Ahead

As Emmanuel embarks on the second half of his fellowship, his focus remains on completing the initiatives he has started. His capstone project, which addresses the need for improved bedding and a science laboratory, is one of his top priorities. He hopes to leave a lasting legacy for the next cohort of fellows to build upon.

Beyond the fellowship, Emmanuel envisions pursuing a master’s degree while staying connected to the educational sector. He aims to become an economist, either as a lecturer or a policy maker, continuing his unwavering dedication to education and community development. He aspires to continue making an impact, no matter where his journey takes him.

Alumni Spotlight: Dennis Quartey - Dedication, Resilience, and Transformation

Dennis Quartey’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and transformation. From the moment he first learned about Lead For Ghana during his final year at the University of Cape Coast in the Central region of Ghana, his life has been a testimony to the power of education and community-driven change. Today, Dennis works as a finance officer and is a chartered accountant, but the journey that led him here is rooted in his time as a fellow in the Volta Region, where he left an indelible mark on the lives of students and the community.

In 2017, Dennis was introduced to Lead For Ghana by a senior from his secondary school who had joined the fellowship the year before. His friend's enthusiasm and stories of transformation piqued Dennis' interest, and by 2018, he had applied and been accepted into the program. That year, fresh out of university, Dennis found himself in the Volta Region, working alongside four other fellows at Akpokope Junior High School in the Volta Region. What set his experience apart was the unique bond they formed as a group. Five fellows in one school—a rare situation—created a dynamic team, and together, they embarked on a mission to tackle the educational challenges that lay ahead.

"It was a great experience! We had the chance to work together as a team, sharing ideas and learning how to break down difficult concepts so students could understand."

Despite the team’s camaraderie, the task before them was daunting. The students were far behind academically, especially in mathematics, which Dennis was tasked with teaching. This wasn't just about solving equations—Dennis had to address deep-rooted gaps in understanding that made the subject seem insurmountable for many of his students.

One of the biggest challenges Dennis faced was the language barrier. Teaching in a region where English was not the first language for many students—and some parents—created a communication gap that often hindered progress. Fortunately, one of his colleague fellows spoke the local dialect and could bridge this divide. Together, they worked tirelessly to ensure no student was left behind, even if it meant using a bit of sign language or creative gestures when words failed.

In the classroom, Dennis employed real-life situations to make math more relatable.?

"I realized they dreaded math. So, I started using everyday scenarios to explain concepts, drawing pictures, and using materials they could relate to."?

His efforts paid off. By the end of his fellowship, Dennis had helped transform the performance of his students.

Beyond academics, Dennis and his fellow teachers recognized the need for holistic support. They launched several initiatives, including a book and uniform drive, which provided much-needed resources to students who couldn't afford them. Many of their students didn't have proper uniforms, and it affected their self-esteem. The partnered with an NGO to supply uniforms to graduating students, helping them transition into their next phase of education with pride.

For Dennis, the fellowship wasn't just about teaching—it was a period of profound personal growth. The two years he spent in the classroom pushed him to develop key skills in leadership, communication, stakeholder management and a sense of community. He learned that an individual fellow couldn’t achieve everything alone. Fellows need the support of parents, fellow teachers, and the students themselves to truly make an impact.

One of his proudest moments came when his students achieved the second-highest scores in the district math exams. It wasn't just a validation of his teaching methods but a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved.

Outside of the classroom, Dennis’s professional ambitions also flourished.?He always had a goal to return to accounting, even while he was teaching. So, during his time with Lead For Ghana, Dennis began working toward his professional accounting certification, completing part of his Chartered Accountant (CA) exams. Today, he’s a chartered accountant working at Orange Tech Limited, a role he secured shortly after completing his fellowship.

Though his fellowship has ended, Dennis’ commitment to education has not. After completing his service, he worked in a school as an accounts officer, assisting not only with financial matters but also supporting the teachers in improving student performance.?

"The training I received during the fellowship stayed with me. I wanted to create safe spaces for students to thrive, where they could feel free to express themselves and engage in their learning."

Now, as a finance officer at Orange Tech Limited, Dennis continues to support students in rural areas by donating resources and organizing outreach programs whenever possible. His passion for education remains as strong as ever, and he dreams of returning to academia one day—this time, as a lecturer.?His vision is to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a PhD. He wants to influence the education sector on a larger scale.

Looking back, Dennis believes Lead For Ghana was instrumental in shaping his career and mindset. The fellowship taught him that leadership is about more than just managing a classroom. It's about changing mindsets, both in the students and the community. For Dennis, Lead For Ghana created a network of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference in Ghana’s education system, and he remains a vocal advocate of the program.

He has encouraged a number of people to apply to the fellowship, three of whom have successfully made it into the program. He believes the fellowship serves as a platform to grow as an individual and as a leader, and to equip participants with the tools to make a lasting impact.

Dennis’s journey is far from over. With a heart dedicated to education and a career in finance, he’s poised to continue making waves both in the classroom and beyond. His story is a powerful reminder that education is more than just a profession—it’s a calling, and for Dennis Quartey, it’s one that he’ll carry with him for the rest of his life.

Education News In Africa

Ghana: World Literacy Day - Government Urged to Promote Multilingual Education

The government and policy makers have been urged to include multilingual education in the country's educational policies to create building blocks, connect cultures and promote mutual understanding.

According to the President of the Ghana Publishers Association (GPA), Mr Asare Konadu Yamoah, the promotion of multilingual education involving the use of two or more languages, as mediums of communication was essential in conflict resolution. (Source: Ghanaian Times)

Ghana: Let’s help perfect tertiary education space — Prof. Jinapor

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), in collaboration with stakeholders in the tertiary education sector, has held its maiden Summer School with a call on actors in the sector to help perfect the tertiary space.

The Director-General of the GTEC, Prof. Ahmed Abdulai Jinapor, who made the call in his closing remarks, said, “We can only perfect the tertiary education space by doing what we do well.

“There is a need to promote perfection in our space. The space in which we operate is like a compound house where peaceful and trusting relationships should be built and maintained between the regulator and the regulated,” Prof. Jinapor told the participants. (Source: Graphic Online)

Africa: The Mastercard Foundation to Accelerate Education & Job Creation for Over 70,000 Young Africans

The Mastercard Foundation is expanding its long-standing partnerships with the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to support over 70,400 young women and girls facing the most significant financial and social barriers to education and building a livelihood. These initiatives are expected to benefit 3.3 million young women and men.

The Mastercard Foundation will support young women in their pathways through education, entrepreneurship or entering the world of work with an additional $360 million investment over the next seven years. (Source: All Africa)

Announcement

Exciting News for All Tertiary Students!

We’re thrilled to announce that the application portal for the Lead For Ghana Campus Ambassador Program is still open!

This is your chance to become a part of an inspiring one-year volunteer opportunity, where you’ll serve as a representative of Lead For Ghana on your campus. Whether you're studying at a university, polytechnic, or any tertiary institution in Ghana, this program is your gateway to making a real impact! Click this link to apply. Application deadline is 30th September 2024.

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