The world’s closest geographic country to the center of the world

Ghana is located in West Africa, bordering Cote d’Ivoire to the West, Burkina Faso to the North and Togo to the East. The county has a population of over 31.07 million (World Bank, 2020) and although it is surrounded by three French- speaking nations, Ghana’s official language is English. However, you will find many people who speak other African languages such as Twi, Ga, Ewe and Fante to name just a few.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence from British colonial rule, which took place in March of 1957. Ghana is proud of its democratic political system, which has helped make it one of the most economically sound African countries. Although progress has been made, politically and economically, 23.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line (World Bank, 2016).

WE Charity’s history in Ghana dates back to the early 2000s. Together with communities, WE Charity has implemented community-led, holistic and sustainable programming across our five-pillar development model. This holistic model starts with education, usually building or renovating schools or school rooms (including classrooms, libraries, kitchens, teachers’ accommodations, and school offices), that are then supported by other infrastructure needs key to breaking the cycle of poverty, from clean water to improved health care.

How we implement the education pillar

Rural Ghanaians face incredible challenges when it comes to accessing quality primary education. Due to the large fishing and farming industry in Ghana, most children are required to help their parents during the day. As a result, most classrooms are rendered empty every Wednesday and Friday. On average, in rural fishing villages, children attend school only three days a week. Existing school infrastructure is often limited.

WE Charity’s primary focus in Ghana has been supporting education initiatives and infrastructure, including building or renovating classrooms, supporting teacher training, providing school supplies such as books and pencils, and providing programming such as school clubs for children.

One example of school programming in Ghana is the School Pride Program. Students were put into leadership groups with peers from other grades and took part in a friendly competition. Students earned points for taking on tasks to take care of their school environment, such as maintaining the school grounds and keeping their classrooms clean. Older students also paired up with younger ones to help them learn healthy hygiene practices such as hand-washing and how to use the school latrine. At the end of each school term, the team who earned the most point was celebrated. Another example of school programming is Parent Teacher Associations, which met regularly to discuss how the community could best support their children’s education.

Our education pillar in action

Young school boys in yellow uniforms in class with arms around each other
Young school boys in yellow uniforms in class with arms around each other

Education projects

Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room - Teacher in green shirt seated at desk
Ghana school room - Teacher in green shirt seated at desk
Ghana school rooms - Teacher standing on steps
Ghana school rooms - Teacher standing on steps

Multi-room structure

Ghana school room interior
Ghana school room interior
Ghana school rooms
Ghana school rooms

Renovation

Ghana school room - students in purple uniforms seated at desks
Ghana school room - students in purple uniforms seated at desks
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room - class of male and female students standing in row
Ghana school room - class of male and female students standing in row
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room - teachers seated at long table
Ghana school room - teachers seated at long table
Ghana school room
Ghana school room
Ghana school room - class of younger students with teacher
Ghana school room - class of younger students with teacher
Ghana school rooms
Ghana school rooms

Multi-room structure

Ghana school room - class of young students in brown and yellow uniforms
Ghana school room - class of young students in brown and yellow uniforms
Ghana school rooms
Ghana school rooms

Multi-room structure

Ghana school rooms
Ghana school rooms

Multi-room structure

Ghana school rooms - class seated outside
Ghana school rooms - class seated outside

Multi-room structure