Empowering Minds

Empowering Minds

Dear Lead For Ghana Community,

A warm welcome to this week’s edition of Briefings From Lead For Ghana. Here’s what to expect:

  1. Regional Spotlight - a look into the Upper East Region.
  2. Impact through collaborations.
  3. Alumni Spotlight - meet Gould Benney, Secretary of the Lead For Ghana Alumni Network.
  4. Passion Sprint - help build a kitchen facility for the Mampong Senior High Technical School for the Deaf.


Regional Spotlight - Upper East Region

Educational Statistics

The Upper East Region has a population of 1,301,226 and is the fifth least literate region in Ghana. The literacy rate in the region stands at 48.1% with 52.8% of the region’s male population six (6) years and older being literate while only 43.7% of its female population six (6) years and older being literate.

Proportion of the population six (6) years and older who are literate by gender and region.

In the Upper East Region, 37.4% of children three (3) years and older have never attended school. 39.8% of the same demographic are currently enrolled in school while 22.9% have attended school in the past.

School attendance status of population three (3) years and older by region.

Impact to Date

Lead For Ghana entered the Upper East Region in November 2023 as part of our expansion plan to cover all sixteen (16) regions of Ghana. Thirteen (13) Fellows were placed in five (5) schools across five (5) districts in the region.

Over four thousand six hundred (4,600) students have been impacted over the last six (6) months through literacy and numeracy improvement initiatives, mentorship, coaching, and strategic teaching practices by our Fellows.

Capstone projects have not yet begun in the region as Fellows are still getting into the groove of their schools and communities and identifying potential problems they can most effectively solve. We look forward to sharing updates on their progress and achievements!

Lead For Ghana impact map in the Upper East Region.

Impact Through Collaborations

Daniel Dotse, CEO of Lead For Ghana facilitating a reading session at Nkonya M/ A Junior High School.

In honor of World Book Day, Lead For Ghana joined forces with Mars, ECOM, Touton, and ofi to host a transformative literacy workshop at Nkonya M/A Junior High School, Fawohoyeden M/A Junior High School , and Kwapong R/C Junior High School. This collaboration showcased the potent impact of uniting diverse organizations with a shared commitment to educational excellence and empowerment.

Uniting for Change

The workshop highlighted our collective dedication to reshaping education in Ghana. By joining hands with Mars, ofi, ECOM, and Touton, we are not only addressing educational disparities but are actively working to close them. These partnerships amplify our reach and enhance our efforts, allowing us to touch more lives and empower more communities.

The Magic of Books

World Book Day at the three schools was a vivid celebration of the magic that books bring into our lives. Facilitated by our CEO Daniel Dotse and distinguished authors Nana Ama Buckman and Getrude Ohemeng, the sessions plunged students into the world of stories that spark imagination and inspire hope. Books do more than tell stories; they are vessels of opportunity and gateways to worlds of possibility. They challenge our perceptions, introduce us to new ideas, and show us that our dreams can be much larger than our circumstances. Students expanded their vocabulary, practiced dictionary skills, and discussed key themes from books, which resonated deeply with their daily experiences and aspirations.

Getrude Ohemeng, author of “Someday I Will Fly” engaging students of Fawohoyeden M/A Junior High School.

Building Community Through Literacy

The event also served as a platform for dialogue about the critical role of literacy in personal and community development. The various District Directors of Education emphasized the importance of regular reading and proficient English speaking. Community leaders, including representatives from our corporate partners, local chiefs, and parents echoed these sentiments, praising the initiative for its role in fostering a culture of reading and lifelong learning.

Impact and Inspiration

The events concluded with the distribution of literacy packs, leaving a tangible mark of our commitment to the student’s educational journeys. Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a renewed enthusiasm for reading among the students and a communal commitment to ongoing educational engagement.

A Call to Action

As we reflect on the success of World Book Day, we extend a heartfelt invitation to more organizations and individuals to join this vibrant movement. Each collaboration, each event, and each book read brings us closer to a future where every child in Ghana has access to the quality education they deserve. Together, we can nurture the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and dreamers. This World Book Day was not just a day of reading—it was a step toward building a more literate, empowered, and hopeful community. Join us as we continue to turn the page toward a brighter future for all.

Nana Ama Buckman, author of “The Adventures of Naughty Kofi” series with students of Kwapong R/C Junior High School after the workshop.


Alumni Spotlight - Meet Gould Benney, Secretary of the Lead For Ghana Leadership Network

Gould Benney, Secretary of the Lead For Ghana Leadership Network

This week, we are thrilled to feature Gould Benney, the newly elected Secretary of the Lead For Ghana Leadership Network. Gould's journey to this role is both inspiring and filled with a vision for the future of the alumni community.

Gould was nominated for the role of Secretary while offline, unaware of the ongoing election. Upon learning of her nomination, she felt a strong pull to contribute, seeing it as an incredible opportunity to be part of the leadership of the Leadership Network. Gould's return was marked by a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to the community.

Before the Fellowship, the Leadership Network was a known entity but somewhat enigmatic in its function. Post-fellowship, members were added to a WhatsApp group, but active engagement was lacking. Gould envisions an Alumni Network where every member feels proud and impactful, regardless of their location. This vision drives her to change the status quo and foster a more engaged and connected community.

As the Secretary, Gould's primary goal is to create a comprehensive database of all alumni. This initiative aims to ensure easy connection among members, fostering a stronger and more united network. Gould also seeks to be a bridge between the alumni and Lead For Ghana, providing support and facilitating effective communication.

Gould's personal journey began in a small town in the Eastern Region of Ghana. She didn't speak English until she moved to Accra for schooling, an experience that highlighted the educational disparities in Ghana to her at a young age. When she learned about Lead For Ghana's mission to tackle these inequalities, she knew she had to be a part of it. The Fellowship allowed her to give back to the community and grow professionally, teaching her resilience and the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone.

During her Fellowship, Gould led a capstone project that involved renovating the school where she served to provide a better learning environment. Supported by World Connect and community members, this project demonstrated the power of collaboration and community engagement.

Looking ahead, Gould envisions a more connected and active Leadership Network. Success in her role means high participation by alumni in events and meetings, strong mentorship connections, and well-documented progress to ensure a seamless transition for future leaders.

For those considering the Fellowship, Gould emphasizes the opportunity to make a significant impact while developing personally and professionally. The fellowship connects individuals with like-minded peers and builds leadership skills, preparing them for future challenges in the educational sector and beyond.

The Leadership Network is excited to see the positive changes Gould Benney will bring. We invite all alumni to join hands with the Executive Board and Lead For Ghana as we embark on this journey of strengthening our network. Together, we can realize our shared vision that one day, all children in Ghana will have access to an excellent education. This is the mandate of the Leadership Network in every sphere we find ourselves.

By the end of the two-year tenure, Gould and the entire Executive Body aim for all alumni to truly understand and drive toward this vision, wherever they may be.


Education News In Africa

Ghana: Ghana, South Korea sign MoU for education exchange program

The government of Ghana has signed an MoU with the South Korea government for education exchange programs. The Ghana Commission for UNESCO and the local government of Seocho-gu, Korea, have recently formalized their commitment to enhance educational ties through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This significant pact was signed by Ama Serwah Nerquaye Tetteh, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, and Park Jeawone, the Deputy Mayor of Seocho-gu, at the Ministry of Education in a bid to kickstart a strategic educational exchange program between Ghana and Korea. (Source: Ghana Education News)

Kenya: The United States Announces New Partnership with Kenya to Support STEM Education

The United States signed a historic Framework for Cooperation with the Government of Kenya to support new partnerships between universities and industry to drive innovation, research, and job growth in STEM-related fields in Kenya and globally.

USAID Counselor Clinton White signed the?Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education for Economic Development Framework for Cooperation?alongside Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi as part of Kenyan President William Ruto’s State Visit to the United States. (Source: USAID)

Africa: Academics push for AI in service of Africa and its goals

Some scholars and media practitioners in Africa have called for the incorporation of training in artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum from elementary or primary to tertiary education levels, to raise a generation of African students grounded in developing AI systems that can enhance socioeconomic development on the continent. (Source: University World News)


Announcement

The Final Lap!

We are in the final month of our Fellowship recruitment! Now is the time to cross all your t’s, dot all your i’s, and submit your application. The Fellowship is a unique opportunity to develop your leadership potential while giving back to society. Help shape the future of Ghana, one lesson at a time. Join the Fellowship Program by applying here.

Passion Sprint

The Mampong Senior High Technical School for the Deaf is in need of a new kitchen facility. The school’s existing one is too small to cater to the entire student body. It is also located about 500 meters away from the south campus requiring up to 6 bus trips a day to convey food from the north campus. This logistical challenge hinders efficient food transportation and distribution, and negatively impacts the well-being and academic performance of our students. This month, help us build a new kitchen facility on the south campus with a contribution of only GHS 50.00.

SUPPORT THE CAUSE


Join The Movement

The work we do is made possible by generous donations and grants from well-wishers and individuals who strongly want to see Ghana and Africa thrive. For us to continue the work we do and expand educational opportunities to all children in Ghana, we are counting on you to support our work by becoming a donor to our cause. Thank you so much and we look forward to you joining our donor community.

BECOME A DONOR

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