As Headmaster in charge of administration and the day-to-day running of the school, Ali Alikali has witnessed significant changes in his school and community through the support of Homeland Ghana Educational Foundation. Through infrastructure development, educational support, child rights education, and mentorship programmes, the school environment has improved and students have become more confident in their education and leadership abilities.
Before Homeland Ghana started operating in my school and community, we faced several challenges. There was a lack of teaching and learning materials such as textbooks, cardboards, white marker boards, and other educational resources. Teachers also lacked textbooks that matched the new curriculum, there was no teachers’ toilet, and some school structures were dilapidated. We also did not have a modern toilet facility or changing room for girls during menstruation. Many students did not know their rights as children, and this affected their confidence and participation in school activities.
When Homeland Ghana arrived, they introduced several impactful programmes and interventions in the school. These included training on child rights and responsibilities for both students and teachers, the construction of an eight-seater toilet facility with a changing room, provision of teaching and learning materials for teachers and students, painting of the entire school building, organising field trips for students and teachers, and the monthly distribution of sanitary pads to all female students.
My impression of the programme was very positive because I knew it was going to have a meaningful impact on the pupils and improve their confidence, enabling them to face challenges in the course of their learning. Workshops such as education on child rights and responsibilities helped students improve their confidence levels, while the distribution of sanitary pads helped retain girls in school. The girls felt free to learn without worrying about staining themselves. The programme also helped students understand their rights and know the appropriate authorities to report to whenever those rights were denied or violated. Some students became bold and confident enough to take up leadership roles in the school and the community.
One memorable example I will share is how the programme changed the lives of students who became confident enough to organise a community durbar to educate community members on the importance of education and the need to educate their children, since education is the right of every child.
A lot of improvement has been realised since Homeland Ghana started operating in my community. Girls who previously refused to attend school because they could not afford sanitary pads are now supplied with free sanitary pads every month. Teachers and students who struggled with sanitation now have access to a modern toilet facility with an attached washroom. Teachers have also received textbooks, school structures have been maintained, and children are being educated on their rights and responsibilities so they can confidently advocate for themselves. Before Homeland Ghana started operating in my community, Siniensi Junior High School was lacking in many aspects of education. However, thanks to Homeland Ghana, many of these challenges are now things of the past.
To other educators, communities, and partners, Homeland Ghana is one of the best things that can happen to any community that is interested in the education of its children and the development of the community. Donors, partners, and philanthropists who would like to support the good works of Homeland Ghana should do so without hesitation.
