Only 5.9% of kids in rural Ghana go to a post-secondary school. It's not for lack of ability (77% of students are enrolled in High School and 94% of Ghanaian young adults are literate) or availability (Ghana has 100+ colleges nationwide), but opportunity. In the rural Ghanaian community of Avenorpedo, there are brilliant, hardworking students forced to delay college for years while saving money for a single semester.
That's why the Avenorpedo Scholarship Fund's mission is to ensure talented students from Avenorpedo can immediately access higher education regardless of their financial circumstances and to inspire the next generation of kids to excel academically.
We have been working with local leaders in Avenorpedo since 2016 and together, we created a targeted and sustainable program that has full community support. Student applicants are vetted and nominated by trusted local leaders before they become eligible for a scholarship. Scholarship amounts are based on actual tuition and room/board bills. When possible, payments are made directly to the school and not to third parties. This means you'll know how your donation is benefits the community and be confident that it gets used for its intended purpose.
We believe that development initiatives focused on capacity building are the best approach to help people in developing economies. Instead of giving money and resources directly, supporting the existing in-country institutions that promote capacity building, such as Ghanaian-led higher education, will help create sustainable growth in local communities. By connecting qualified but under-resourced kids to these educational opportunities, we enable job creation, promote social mobility and improve the safety and security of vulnerable communities in Ghana.
