My mission to help more children in Ghana access education

Born and raised in Ghana, I personally experienced the harsh realities of the education system. Attending a primary school with overcrowded classrooms, lacking basic resources like chairs and exercise books, and witnessing the absence of dedicated teachers became the norm for me.

Sadly, my story was not unique. Throughout Africa, access to quality education remains a significant challenge, with many families unable to afford schooling for their children. As a result, some parents prioritize their children's labor contributions to the family's livelihood over education.

These experiences ignited a deep understanding within me regarding the obstacles that children across Africa face and the urgent need to invest in their futures. After receiving a life-changing scholarship to study at a prestigious American university, I felt a strong calling to give back and create similar opportunities for others.

In 2013, I founded Lead For Ghana (LFG) to address one of the underlying causes of child labor by establishing an environment where learning can flourish. I aimed to provide children with access to quality education, empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty and contribute to the development of their communities.

I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and make a difference through Lead For Ghana and Lead For Africa. Together, with our dedicated team, partners, and supporters, we strive to create a world where every child has the chance to thrive and reach their full potential.

Partnering for impact

A decade has passed since the inception of our organization, and during this time, we have made significant strides in our mission. We are proud to share that we have provided educational support to 52,000 students, opening doors to opportunities that were once out of reach. Additionally, we have trained and empowered 500 dedicated fellows and alumni who continue to make a lasting impact in their communities.In fact, in two schools in cocoa-growing communities, there has been a significant increase in academic achievement and a reduction in absenteeism. And we’ve seen a shift in mindsets around the value of education and the role of extracurricular activities in keeping children in education.

Reflecting on our accomplishments, we recognize that our journey is far from over. Our ultimate goal, set for the year 2050, is to ensure that every child in Ghana, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location, has access to an excellent education. Our vision also extends beyond the borders of Ghana, and we are committed to expanding our work across the continent.

By scaling our efforts and partnering with like-minded organizations and individuals, we believe it is possible to make this vision a reality. For example, with funding from Mars and ofi’s presence on the ground, we can extend the reach of our program with more awareness about the role of education in tackling child labor and equip fellows with more resources to help the children most in need.