Ghana’s Northern Region has one of the lowest literacy rates in the country – according to Ghana Living Standards Survey, as low as 30% of the population is literate. Only 20% of female adults and 40% of the male adults have ever attended school.
Publicly-funded schools will accommodate students up to Secondary High School. At around the Grade 4 level, however, parents are expected to spend $2 to purchase notebooks. Many children, and especially girls, drop out at this point, as the expense is simply unthinkable for families living on less than $1/day.
Yet education is critical for long-term development. Education opens up opportunities for men and women alike, enabling them to pursue a greater range of employment opportunities and business ventures. It equips future leaders to serve and effectively advocate on behalf of their communities.
Building Local Schools
When they are able to meet in a safe building, instead of beneath a tree or in an unsound structure, students and teachers alike are better able to focus on the lessons. GRID and NEA therefore work with communities and local governments to build schools and dormitories in areas of high need.
Providing Scholarships
Even with school facilities nearby, families still may not be able to afford the fees for secondary school or post-secondary education. GRID and NEA have implemented a scholarship program that funds an equal number of male and female students annually to complete education beyond the primary level.