EDUCATION TRANSFORMS COMMUNITIES
Education is crucial to long-term sustainable development. By providing scholarships that allow young people to access secondary and tertiary education, we are helping to equip the next generation to meet the challenges of the future.
In 2014 and many years since then, young women who received GRID – NEA scholarships for post-secondary education outnumbered the young men. This was a reflection of a much deeper change that was happening in communities. More girls now have access to primary and secondary education, thanks also to their families’ increased financial security. Rather than working for their family to simply survive, more parents can now send their children to school.
Faustina comes from a family of five. Her dream is to become a pediatrician. She was inspired by Dr. Cecilia. Her passion for her work and how she treats and gives care and love to the kids fueled Faustina’s desire to become a pediatrician. She was so delighted to be selected as a beneficiary of a nursing scholarship. It paved the way for her dream to become a reality.
Faustina looks forward to serving her community once she graduates.
Because of your support, many young men and women are grateful for the opportunities that allow for their lives and their communities to be transformed.
Equipping new leaders is essential as churches continue to grow. Through the continued support of a long-time church partner, we are able to provide scholarships for Bible College every year. Five students graduated in June and four have been assigned to various churches while one will continue pursuing her studies.
Pastor Edward will be in charge of the Tandigne and Konkomba congregations. As incoming head of these two relatively young congregations, he aims at ensuring these churches grow not only in numbers but also spiritually.
Pastor Daniel will oversee the Manchala, Kandige and Gbere congregations. He shared that the training he received at the Bible College has broadened his perspective on God’s Word and connected him to men of God from all walks of life, which he believes will empower him in his ministry.
Pastor Janet was the only female among the five recent Bible College scholars. She believes the course has improved her people skills which is a prerequisite for ministry. Janet did very well in the diploma program and was accepted to pursue a Bachelor of Theology degree which will further equip her in her desire to serve the Lord.
Pastor Emmanuel will be in charge of three churches (Nkwanta, Chaara and Weila).
Pastor Victor will be the resident pastor of the Baniantwe church and will oversee two other churches.
Each of these five new pastors will significantly impact their communities as they serve the congregations under their care.
Providing scholarships to equal numbers of male and female students is our focus.
Only 65% of females aged 16-18 in Ghana’s North attend school (GSS GLSS-6, 2014). According to the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, the lack of money to cover educational costs is the main reason behind school drop-outs.
A survey of educational practices in Ghana affirms that the provision of scholarships to young women based on economic need is a proven, effective way to ensure they stay in school (Camfed 2012).
Our hope is to prevent them from experiencing extreme poverty by increasing their options for safely earning a fair income. The women who suffer most from poverty tend to be:
> illiterate or have very limited education
> have married very early
> not aware of their human rights
All are characteristics that can be reduced or eliminated by education.
World Bank 2017 Report noted that girls who complete secondary and/or tertiary education are:
> more likely to participate in the formal labour market
> earn higher incomes
> have fewer children
> marry at a later age
> enable better health cae for their future children
Through the Babanayaa Project, thirty young women from low-income families will receive scholarships to pursue secondary or tertiary education.
In partnership with the Government of Canada, we can now help these young women increase their level of education. However, we need you to partner with us in helping more younger men and women pursue higher education.
With your continued support, these thirty young women and other scholarship recipients will have a better future and become a driving force in transforming their communities. Thank you!
Ruth Adams says
Thank you for this most informative newsletter. I think these scholarships are a wonderful initiative, ensuring that young people – especially women – can receive further education. Since my present focus is the building and equipping of the hospital, I am unable to share financially in the ministry of education at this time. However, be assured that this project will be in my thoughts and prayers. I love GRID, the ongoing meaningful ministry it is pursuing in education and impacting the lives of young people. May God continue to bless the work of GRID.