How the Local Church is Expanding Educational Opportunities for Girls in Ghana
Keeping Girls Healthy Keeps them in School
Tamale, Ghana
While boys and girls currently attend St. John’s Anglican Senior High School in Tamale Diocese in Ghana, there is only housing for 38 girls. This project would bring that number up to 118.
In many churches and schools, the fist-pump is the new handshake. Many of us are careful not to spread germs in case we might be sick. And we keep our distance when others in our household or office are ill.
But what if you have no option but to live in overcrowded, unhealthy quarters? What if staying healthy meant dropping out of school?
In Ghana, an overcrowded girls dormitory at St. John’s Anglican School means that diseases spread quickly, posing a health risk for the entire school. To change this, the Diocese of Tamale, Ghana is building a new dormitory for girls which will both boost female enrollment by over 300% and keep health risks in check.
It is encouraging that there is a huge demand for education, especially for girls, in this region of Ghana. Five years ago, the district had only four secondary schools for 11,049 potential students. St. John’s was established in response to this need. Even with the new school, 36% of girls aged 15 and older have never attended school. And of those who have attended some schooling, only three percent have attended secondary school. Students often live far from school and therefore need housing in order to continue their education. The infrastructure must keep up with demand so that more girls may be educated - in an environment that will keep them healthy and safe!
The diocese has already secured the land and labor. Architectural designs have been approved. A grant from ARDF is providing the materials for construction and furnishings. Once the dorm is completed, students will pay a modest amount for housing which will cover electrical and maintenance costs. This will make the upkeep of the dormitory sustainable.
We are excited to be partnering with the Diocese of Tamale. Over the past 40 years, they have implemented many development projects including numerous primary and junior high schools as well as health facilities. With a solid track record, we know this project will have an impact that lasts beyond the first class of girls to stay at the hostel.
The next time you are near someone who seems sick, will you remember these female students in Ghana who desperately want to continue their education in a healthy and safe environment?
How to contribute? $304 covers the construction costs for one girl.
Read our evaluation of a completed girls' hostel built in Tanzania with ARDF funds.
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