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Ghana

Free The Children has a history of working in Ghana, dating from the early 2000s, and since that time we have constructed or updated many classrooms, schools and water projects in the village of Domeabra, which is about two hours north of Kumasi city in Ashanti Region and about eight hours from the capital city of Accra. In response to the country’s ongoing need, Free The Children is now working with communities in the western region of the country (along the coast near the region’s capital, Takoradi), to implement Adopt a Village programming. Following this model, Free The Children works in partnership with communities to eliminate the obstacles that prevent children from accessing education.

Why?

Like with all Adopt a Village countries, Free The Children assesses specific circumstances and issues before beginning any work in newly adopted communities. By working together with community members in Ghana, we are learning about demographics, economic health, strengths, resources and priorities, helping us determine the best way to create a long-lasting partnership. The communities in which Free The Children works face challenges such as low levels of education, employment and resources.

Ghana’s national literacy rate is only 67%. In rural villages, the literacy rate can be considerably lower, especially among women and girls. Rural Ghanaians face incredible challenges when it comes to accessing quality primary education. Due to the large fishing industry in Ghana, most children are required to help their parents fish during the day. As a result, most classrooms are rendered empty every Wednesday and Friday. On average, in rural fishing villages, children attend school only three days a week.

Adopt a Village will provide these communities with the tools to break the cycle of poverty.

Did You Know?

Mar 6/57	Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from British colonial rule.
53%	of the population lives on less than $2 a day.
93%	of the rural population does not have access to improved sanitation facilities.
37%	of children in Ghana are engaged in child labour.

Free The Children’s Objectives in Ghana

To create and ensure a sustainable future for rural children by providing access to and removing obstacles to a quality education.
To alleviate poverty, and contribute to rural community development.
To work with local government agencies and get properly trained teachers in the schools.
To bring all pillars of Adopt a Village to life in Ghana.