The Scholarship Programme is funded entirely by donations from individuals and companies. A donation of just £12.50 a month enables more children to access education, and, just as importantly, helps make the school sustainable in the long term, allowing those children to complete their education and for the school to welcome many more children in the long term.
Some children, like young sisters Nana and Abena, were already in school, but due to family hardship, they were both at risk of dropping out. Now part of the Scholarship Programme, their education is secure; they receive transport to and from school, a hot meal each day, plus books and uniforms, of course.
Brothers Richmond and Raphael lived with their disabled mother, who had no access to a steady income and who was overwhelmed with the fear that she couldn’t educate her sons. Now the boys remain in school daily with access to everything they need, and emotional support too.
Tracey Randolf (seen below with Nana and Abena) is our girls and volunteer co-ordinator in Accra and is at the Future Leaders School daily. She supports the teachers and children with everything they need through the Scholarship Programme, including uniforms and training kits. Tracey also monitors and provides sanitary towels and personal items that the younger girls need as they reach puberty. The children know they can come to the Futurestars container office at the school, where we keep a stock of products for distribution.
Sometimes a small thing can make all the difference. John is a 12-year-old student at Future Leaders School who walked the two hours each day to and from school. The Scholarship Programme enabled us to provide John with a bike, transforming his commute and ensuring he arrives at school fresh and full of energy. The Rugby League Federation of Ghana has also selected John for extra training, and he’s delighted to be chasing both his academic and sporting dreams!
The Nest (seen below) at the Future Leaders School has given us an excellent breakout area for teachers and children who need one-to-one lessons or extra support without the distractions of a full classroom. It also doubles up as a space for lunch, assemblies and gatherings – and respite from the Ghana sun!
In addition to the work at the Future Leaders School, we are directly supporting several children in our partner schools in Tema. Although state education at these schools is technically free, with the Government funding teachers’ salaries and meals, there are still school fees that need to be met. Coaches Silas and Caleb are based in Tema and are at each of the five schools at least weekly. They get to know the children and alert us when a family faces difficult times and needs additional support
We are so proud of the difference our team is making in all six of our schools, and you should be too. Every £1 donated through the Scholarship Programme directly contributes to giving the most underprivileged children the chance to get an education.
