Nurturing Potential

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. Beneficiary Spotlight - Abdul-Rahim Abubakari: From Apathy To A Love For Education
2. Fellow Spotlight - Emmanuel Justice Asmah: Leading Through Learning
3. Alumni Spotlight - Godsway Cofie Obro-Boateng: A Journey of Advocacy and Impact

Beneficiary Spotlight: Abdul-Rahim Abubakari - From Apathy To A Love For Education

The lives of the students at Sakasaka Junior High School in Tamale changed with the introduction of Lead For Ghana Fellows to their community. One such student, Abdul-Rahim Abubakari, who was just looking forward to completing junior high school as a mere rite of passage, has now completed his first year as a promising electrical engineering student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), with a dream to transform rural communities by leveraging solar energy to support agricultural activities.

Abdul-Rahim was born in a small community in northern Ghana but spent most of his childhood in Tamale, where he attended primary and junior high school at Sakasaka. His encounter with Lead For Ghana Fellows began in his first year at Sakasaka Junior High School. Abdul-Rahim recalls how the Fellows brought a fresh perspective and energy to the classroom, introducing innovative and interactive teaching methods that were very different from the traditional approaches he was accustomed to. They incorporated technology, creative activities, and even singing into their lessons, making the learning environment more dynamic and less intimidating.?

“They started something different when they arrived…learning and everything else became so interesting!”?

Beyond academics, the Fellows focused on building relationships with their students, visiting their homes, and getting to know their families. This was something Abdul-Rahim thought was completely unheard of. A teacher intentionally making the time to meet with a student’s parents to discuss their well-being and academic performance? Amazing! This personal touch made students feel valued and supported, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence among them.

The impact of the Fellows' methods on Abdul-Rahim's academic performance was significant. He acknowledges that before the Fellows arrived, he struggled with Mathematics and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). However, the hands-on and practical learning experiences provided by the Fellows ignited his interest in these subjects.?

"I started understanding certain things to a different level… I was so motivated to learn"?

This newfound motivation and understanding helped him excel academically, eventually earning him a spot on the renowned National Science and Math Quiz team and the Sharks Quiz team during his senior high school years.

The Fellows' influence extended beyond academics. Abdul-Rahim credits them with instilling in him values such as patience, community service, and a spirit of change-making. These experiences have shaped his character and aspirations, guiding him toward a future where he hopes to give back to his community in meaningful ways.

As Abdul-Rahim advances in his studies at KNUST, he envisions a future where he can use his knowledge in electrical engineering to address some of the critical challenges in his community. He plans to specialize in power electronics, focusing on leveraging solar energy to support agricultural activities in northern Ghana, particularly for irrigation farming. He also dreams of establishing or supporting organizations that sponsor students' education, recognizing the financial struggles many face in his region. He understands the transformative power of education and wants to ensure that others have the opportunity to benefit, just as he did.

Abdul-Rahim holds the Lead For Ghana Fellowship Program in high regard, crediting it with significantly shaping his educational and personal development journey. He believes that the fellowship's approach—focusing on community integration and innovative teaching—sets it apart and creates a lasting impact on students.?

"Lead For Ghana is actually doing very great… The future of Lead For Ghana is bright."?

He is optimistic about the program's continued success and the potential of its alumni to contribute positively to society. We are excited to see how he will leverage his education and experiences to foster positive change in his community!?

Fellow Spotlight: Emmanuel Justice Asmah - Leading Through Learning

Meet Emmanuel Justice Asmah, a passionate Lead For Ghana Fellow who joined the fellowship in November last year, teaching English Language at Ko Senior High School in the Upper West region. Emmanuel has been dedicated to creating a positive impact in his community since his arrival, and his journey so far has been nothing short of transformational.

Emmanuel's journey into education began with a desire to make a meaningful impact. After completing his national service, he saw the fellowship as an opportunity to support students academically, particularly those in government schools who often lack access to personalized learning support. Growing up in Elmina, Emmanuel witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by students in public schools, such as limited teacher attention outside regular classes. This experience motivated him to join the fellowship and work towards bridging the educational gaps he observed.

From his first day in the classroom, Emmanuel noticed a common challenge among his students: a lack of confidence and a fear of self-expression. Many of his students were timid and hesitant to participate actively in class discussions. Recognizing this, Emmanuel has worked tirelessly to foster a more open and engaging classroom environment. He encourages his students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and participate actively in their learning process. This approach has significantly boosted their confidence and willingness to engage.

Under Emmanuel's guidance, there has been notable progress in the academic performance of his students over the last ten months. When he first started, many students were struggling, particularly with the basics of reading and writing. To address this, Emmanuel and his colleagues initiated special intervention classes targeting students with specific needs. These interventions have borne fruit, with many students showing remarkable improvements. The average pass mark in his class has increased from 20% to 60%, demonstrating the effectiveness of these tailored support strategies.

One of Emmanuel's notable contributions is the launch of the "iStudy" initiative. He observed that while students had ample time allocated for study, many were not utilizing it effectively due to a lack of study skills. To address this, Emmanuel organized a study seminar aimed at teaching students effective study techniques and time management skills. The initiative began with Form 3 students, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Plans are underway to extend the seminar to other classes in the coming semester.

The fellowship has been a transformative experience for Emmanuel, helping him realize his potential as an educator. Before joining the fellowship, he had never imagined himself managing large classrooms or spearheading impactful educational initiatives. Now, he handles three Form 1 classes with ease, demonstrating his growth in both confidence and competence. Looking ahead, Emmanuel is eager to continue his journey with Lead For Ghana, hoping to further his impact and contribute to the community's development.

As part of his capstone project, Emmanuel and his Co-Fellow are focused on expanding the school's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) center. Their goal is to renovate and expand the facility to accommodate more students, enhancing their access to digital resources and fostering a more inclusive learning environment. This project aligns with their vision of providing holistic educational support to all students, ensuring that no one is left behind.

While Emmanuel has faced challenges, such as connectivity issues in his remote teaching location, he remains undeterred. He has learned to adapt and be resilient, and his commitment to his students and their growth is evident in every step he takes, from organizing special classes to mentoring students on personal issues. His journey with Lead For Ghana is far from over, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive changes he will bring to his students and the broader community.

Alumni Spotlight: Godsway Cofie Obro-Boateng – A Journey of Advocacy and Impact

Godsway Cofie Obro-Boateng, a 2021 Lead For Ghana Fellow has found his calling in gender activism and community development. Since completing his fellowship, Godsway has continued to build on the skills and experiences he gained, applying them to his current role as a Programs Officer at NORSAAC, a human rights organization focused on championing the issues of women and young people.

From Fellowship to Gender Advocacy

Godsway's journey with Lead For Ghana began as an exploration beyond his comfort zone. After graduating from the University of Ghana with a degree in Political Science and Classics, he was looking for opportunities that combined his love for teaching, his passion for children, and his desire to explore new challenges. This led him to Lead For Ghana, where he was placed in a rural community in the Northern Region—a region he had never been to before, teaching English Language at Hurriya Islamic Junior High School. His experiences there opened his eyes to the challenges faced by children in rural communities and ignited his passion for advocacy.

Today, Godsway is deeply involved in gender advocacy. In his current role at NORSAAC, he oversees the implementation of the "Championing Nutrition and Gender Equality" project in the Bali district, working across 12 communities. His work focuses on empowering women and ensuring they have the abilities required to own resources, and access to opportunities to improve their lives and the lives of their families.?

Empowerment Through the "Empower Mom Project"

In addition to his work at NORSAAC, Godsway spearheads the "Empower Mom Project," an initiative aimed at supporting adolescent and teenage mothers who have had to drop out of school. The project helps these young mothers return to education, complete high school, or learn a trade, providing them with the skills and resources needed to create a better future for themselves and their children. This initiative reflects Godsway's commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalization by empowering young women to take control of their lives and futures.

Impactful Initiatives During the Fellowship

During his time as a Lead For Ghana Fellow, Godsway initiated several impactful projects. One of his notable contributions was the establishment of a "pad bank" to address the issue of female absenteeism in schools due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. By providing sanitary pads to girls who could not afford them, he and his colleagues significantly reduced absenteeism rates, ensuring that more girls could attend school regularly.

Additionally, Godsway and his team undertook other interventions, such as providing stationery and educational materials to students who lacked basic supplies. This initiative was sparked by his observation of young children writing on bare floors due to a lack of notebooks. His quick action to solicit funds and provide necessary materials demonstrated his proactive approach to solving immediate problems faced by his students.

Challenges and Personal Growth

Reflecting on his time in the fellowship, Godsway notes that it significantly developed his sense of empathy and patience. Working with students who faced numerous challenges, from language barriers to lack of resources, taught him the importance of persistence and innovative teaching strategies. Professionally, the fellowship equipped him with skills in project management, communication, and leadership, all of which have been instrumental in his current role at NORSAAC.

Continuing the Journey of Impact

Even after his fellowship ended, Godsway chose to stay in the Northern Region, continuing his work in gender advocacy and community development. His commitment to the region and its people speaks volumes about his dedication to creating sustainable change. He believes that the skills and experiences he gained during his fellowship were foundational, setting the pace for his subsequent endeavors, including his selection as a 2023 Emerging Public Leaders fellow.

Looking Ahead

Godsway's journey is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the Lead For Ghana fellowship. It provided him with a platform to grow personally and professionally, allowing him to make meaningful contributions to society. As he continues to work toward gender equality and community empowerment, his story inspires others to step out of their comfort zones and pursue opportunities that create lasting change.

We are proud of the work Godsway is doing and look forward to seeing how he continues to impact his community and beyond.

Education News In Africa

Ghana: Achimota 'Rastafarian' Tyrone Marhguy awarded full scholarship to pursue Computer Engineering at Penn Univ

In 2021, but for the court's intervention and decision, Tyrone Iras Marhguy would have been denied admission to Achimota Senior High School, when he was required to choose between keeping his dreadlocks for religious purposes or cutting them as a precondition to enroll in the school.

After that admission controversy in 2021 and Tyrone Marhguy’s subsequent admission based on a favorable court ruling, he went ahead and excelled in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2023 with grade A in all eight subjects.

Tyrone Iras Marhguy, has gone ahead to the USA for further studies and has been awarded a full scholarship to pursue Computer Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn). (Source: Graphic Online)

Kenya: Kenya, Saudi Arabia Boost Academic Ties in Higher Learning Sector

In a two-day forum, State Department for Higher Education and Research Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyang'ala emphasized that the partnership will help address the challenges in the education sector. PS Inyangala mentioned that the collaboration is a step in the right direction as the country over the years has benefitted from scholarship from Saudi Arabia.

"As a government, we appreciate Saudi Arabia for augmenting our efforts to provide quality and relevant education for all," she said. (Source: All Africa)

Rwanda: The Journey of an Autistic Student Who Excelled in National Exams

Bruce Cyemayire, a student with autism, defied expectations as he excelled in his Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE). The 19-year-old student of Kigali Parents School achieved a score of 24 out of 30 and has now been admitted at G.S Masaka for his Ordinary Level studies.

"I did not expect it. My teachers helped me a lot with coaching and provided all the necessary study materials. I also studied as much as I could," he told The New Times in an interview. (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 officially 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! Stay connected for more information and the link to apply.

Resident Institute, Here We Come!

The initial phase of our Institute Training Session, the Virtual Institute, has successfully concluded. Our incoming Fellows have demonstrated exceptional passion and enthusiasm, actively engaging in each session. This week marks the start of our Resident Institute, where over two hundred and twenty (220) remarkable young individuals will join us for three weeks of dynamic, informative, and interactive training sessions. We are excited to meet our incoming Fellows in person and look forward to an enriching and memorable experience ahead!

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