Leadership & Perseverance
Dear Lead For Ghana Community,
Welcome to this edition of Briefings From Lead For Ghana brought to you by Mars. Here’s what to expect:
Continuous Improvement - Supporting Lead For Ghana Partner Schools Across The Nation
Continuous growth and lasting impact remain at the heart of Lead For Ghana’s mission to transform education. As part of our commitment to empower leaders, we are hosting Professional Development sessions for our partner schools across all 16 regions of Ghana. These sessions bring together Ghana Education Service (GES) teachers and Lead For Ghana fellows who play a crucial role in reinforcing teacher development every day, for a transformative learning experience. The sessions are tailored to provide the tools, skills, and inspiration that teachers and fellows need to excel in their roles and create a meaningful, long-term impact in their schools and communities.
For our partner schools with Year 1 fellows, the focus is on vision-setting. This critical process helps teachers and fellows state, define, and create strategies they want to use to achieve their teaching goals for the term and the school year. Vision-setting not only strengthens their leadership but also empowers them to approach their work with clarity and intentionality. By understanding these short to long-term aspirations for their students, teachers and fellows are better equipped to make decisions that align with the vision and drive sustained impact in their classrooms and communities.
For our partner schools with Year 2 fellows, the focus shifts to teacher motivation—a vital aspect of fostering positive educational outcomes. These sessions are designed to help teachers and fellows understand the challenges they face and provide strategies to inspire and support them effectively. By equipping them with tools to boost their morale and engagement, we ensure that they can nurture an environment where they feel valued, empowered, and motivated to deliver their best in the classroom. This approach creates a ripple effect, enhancing not only the quality of their teaching but also the learning experiences of the students.
These Professional Development sessions are not just training workshops; they are a cornerstone of Lead For Ghana’s support system. Often in under-resourced schools in rural areas, teachers are confronted with challenges that require innovative solutions and resilient leadership. Continuous learning opportunities like these sessions ensure that teachers and fellows in our partner schools remain prepared to meet these challenges head-on, adapt to dynamic environments, and grow both personally and professionally.
By bringing fellows from different regions together, these sessions also foster a sense of community and collaboration. Fellows have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and learn from one another, creating a supportive network that strengthens their resolve and collective impact. The knowledge and skills gained during these sessions become the building blocks of their journey toward transforming education in Ghana.
Lead For Ghana’s vision is rooted in empowering leaders who are committed to equity and excellence in education. Through initiatives like these Professional Development sessions, we continue to invest in the growth of our fellows, ensuring they are equipped not only to overcome obstacles but to innovate and lead in ways that create lasting change.
Together, we are shaping a future where every child in Ghana has access to quality education and opportunities to thrive. We are proud of the dedication and resilience of our fellows and remain steadfast in our commitment to their growth and success. Let’s continue to drive change—one classroom, one community, and one fellow at a time.
Fellow Spotlight: Daniel Sodzi - From Challenges To Triumph
At Lead For Ghana, we believe that education is the most powerful tool to address societal challenges and to provide equal opportunities for all. This week, we’re excited to spotlight one of our remarkable fellows, Daniel Sodzi, a member of the 2023 cohort, whose journey exemplifies the values of resilience, commitment, and innovation in education.
A Call to Impact:
Daniel's journey to Lead For Ghana was driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. Before joining the fellowship, he taught at a private school, where he earned a comfortable income and achieved commendable results yet, he felt unfulfilled. When he learned about Lead For Ghana’s mission to transform education in underserved communities, he felt a spark. The vision to touch the lives of children in deprived areas resonated deeply with him and that gave him the drive to join this movement.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities:
Teaching in a rural community hasn’t come without its challenges, but Daniel has embraced them with determination. When he started, many of his students struggled academically, with test scores as low as 8 out of 50. Through his patient guidance, innovative teaching methods in Physics, and initiatives like “Operation Read a Book a Month,” he’s witnessed significant improvements. Today, his students’ scores have more than doubled, with many achieving between 80% and 87% in their end-of-term examinations.
Daniel has also worked tirelessly to shift the mindsets of his students. His technical class, often stigmatized as "the bad boys class" or "weak students," has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through mentorship and encouragement, he’s inspired his students to take pride in their education, improve their behavior, and aspire to careers beyond the stereotypes.
Innovating for Impact:
Daniel’s teaching approach includes collaborative learning strategies that foster engagement and teamwork. By organizing students into groups with fun names like "Avengers," he’s created an environment where even the shyest students feel confident to participate. These methods have not only improved academic outcomes but have also fostered a sense of community and mutual support among his students.
Addressing Systemic Challenges:
Currently, Daniel is focused on a pressing issue in his school: the lack of adequate furniture for students. With only 519 desks for over 1,200 students, many are forced to carry plastic chairs from the library, disrupting their learning experience. Daniel has made it his mission to resolve this through his capstone project, working to secure resources to provide sufficient furniture.
Words of Advice for Fellows:
“Never give up. You may not immediately see the impact of your work, but it’s there. Stay committed, even when it gets tough, because the difference you’re making is real.”
Celebrating Impact:
Daniel’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering commitment of Lead For Ghana fellows to change lives. As we celebrate his achievements, we are reminded that every step forward—no matter how small—contributes to a brighter future for all children in Ghana.
Alumni Spotlight: Dinah Ekunoo - From Fellowship To Leadership
Dinah joined Lead For Ghana with a Bachelor’s degree in Education in Management and a deep-seated desire to make a difference. Reflecting on her decision to join the fellowship, she shared:
"Growing up, I experienced limitations in the education I received. Joining Lead For Ghana allowed me to give back by teaching in an underserved school and helping bridge the gaps I once faced."
Her commitment to service went beyond the classroom, touching the lives of her students and the community at large.
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A Fellowship Filled with Highlights:
During her fellowship, Dinah focused on improving literacy among her students. Recognizing their struggles with reading, she initiated a morning reading club to cultivate their interest in literature and improve their English skills. Additionally, she spearheaded a community project to provide clean drinking water, addressing a critical need for both the school and its surrounding community. The reading club and water project were two of the most fulfilling initiatives during her fellowship. They showed her the ripple effect of small but meaningful actions.
Beyond the projects, Dinah valued the sense of community she built with her fellow teachers and students.
A Lasting Impact on Her Career:
After completing her fellowship, Dinah transitioned into a career in HR, leveraging skills she honed during her time with Lead For Ghana. The classroom taught her to communicate effectively, adapt to challenges, and manage data—all essential skills in her current role.
"Being a teacher prepared me to anticipate questions, articulate clearly, and work collaboratively. Even tracking student performance in Excel during the fellowship has proven invaluable in my HR role, where data is at the heart of everything we do."
Her experiences as a fellow have not only shaped her professionally but also inspired her to explore new opportunities, including mentoring others on their career journeys.
Looking Ahead:
Dinah remains committed to giving back and has recently applied to a mentorship program where she hopes to guide young professionals in their career paths.
"Mentorship is a way for me to help others discover their potential and navigate their own journeys. It’s my way of continuing the work I started with Lead For Ghana."
Advice for Current Fellows and Alumni:
The journey may be challenging, but persevere. When you look back, you’ll see the lives you’ve touched and realize it was all worth it. Keep going—you’re not just teaching, you’re shaping futures.
Dinah’s journey encapsulates the heart of Lead For Ghana’s mission, cultivating leaders who create meaningful change. Her story inspires us to continue building a future where every child has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.
Education News In Africa
Ghana: UK university opens its first African Science & Technology hub in Ghana.
Imperial College London has launched its first African hub in Ghana, becoming the first UK university to have a permanent base solely focused on science and technology (S&T) in Africa aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, technology, education, and entrepreneurship.
Known as the Imperial Global Ghana, it is the third hub to have been launched by Imperial College London outside the United Kingdom. (Source: University World News)
Africa: MEST Africa, Mastercard Foundation celebrate EdTech Innovations at Demo Day
In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, MEST Africa organised an inspiring Demo Day event which marked the achievements of the Mastercard EdTech Fellowship program, a transformative initiative launched in 2019 to revolutionize education across Africa by supporting EdTech startups.
Acting Director of the Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning Rodwell Mangisi, reiterated the Foundation’s focus on education as a pathway out of poverty. (Source: MyJoyOnline)
Africa: What you need to know about the challenges of STEM in Africa
Africa's future hinges on transforming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to unlock the talent of its youth and power sustainable development.
UNESCO and the African Union Commission are spearheading efforts to create a transformative STEM ecosystem by addressing barriers to STEM in areas such as unequal access, gender gaps, and limited resources.? (Source: UNESCO)
Announcement
The Lead For Ghana Online Auction:
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Online Auction, featuring an extraordinary selection of items and experiences! Building on the excitement from our just-ended Awards and Fundraising Gala, where unique art pieces stole the show, we’re now bringing this remarkable experience right to your fingertips.
Get ready to explore and bid on:
Exquisite Art Pieces and Collectibles, High-End Fashion, Fine Dining and Culinary Experiences, Luxury Home Décor, Adventure and Outdoor Gear, Private Lessons and Mentorship Opportunities, Exclusive Tech Gadgets, Wellness and Spa Packages, Exclusive Travel Experiences, Luxury Vehicles and Accessories, Eco-Friendly Products, Subscription Boxes, and other unique experiences!
This is your chance to bid and out-bid in a thrilling online auction, all while supporting a greater cause. Every single contribution goes towards funding our programs and initiatives that ensure quality education for children across Ghana. Stay tuned for details on how to participate—this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Together, let’s make a difference.
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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.