Rallying for the right to learn

For Canadians, classroom instruction under a tree might sound idyllic. But for children in a small Ghanaian community — sometimes nearly 100 to a teacher — this reality severely hindered effective learning.

"The school had no infrastructure and children were made to learn outside," explains Sanatu, a 61-year old elder-leader. "We put up a structure using thatch, which could not hold back rain, so anytime clouds gathered, school was over for the day."

The inadequate conditions had serious consequences. Teachers refused postings to the area. Without junior high facilities, older children had to travel four kilometers to continue learning — a journey many couldn't maintain. Dropout rates soared, limiting young people to farm labor and petty trading with little chance to escape poverty.

Discovering their voice

Everything changed when community members participated in Children Believe's educational programs about civic rights.

"We did not know that we could approach our leaders to demand teachers for our school," admits Iddrisu, the community Imam. "Education was not a priority for us. We were only interested in our farming activities."

Armed with new knowledge about their rights to basic services, the community formed a School Management Committee and Parent Teacher Association. Parents, elders, and students worked together to develop an action plan.

Taking action

The committee approached local education officials with compelling evidence of their learning conditions and made their case for needed changes.

“We now value the importance of quality education for our children,” says Iddrisu. "We do not take our children out of school to help us in our farms. And we now lobby for teachers to be posted to our school. We now know the power of our voice.”

Transforming education

Their persistence paid off. Within six months, officials approved construction of a proper school building. The government later absorbed the school into the education system which made it possible to assign qualified teachers.

"Attendance has improved with 100 percent enrolment," notes our partners in the community. "The retention rate has improved to 80 percent and academic performance is showing promising signs of improvement."

The school now includes junior high classes, making it a complete elementary school starting with kindergarten classes. This eliminates the four-kilometer journey that caused many dropouts.

Lasting change

The community's success has drawn the attention of their member of parliament who recognized the improvements and supported the community with 50 school uniforms for children, needed to attend classes.

Local officials now regularly meet with community representatives, creating ongoing dialogue about educational needs.

"Without the support of Children Believe, we wouldn’t know the importance of education and many of our children would not be in school," reflects Sanatu. "Our children are safer and have a future instead of petty labour."