You’re Making a Difference Here
WHY GHANA?
Ghana was, until very recently, one of the poorest countries in the world. Over the past few years, the nation has experienced unprecedented growth and development (IFAD report; African Development Bank). Although the lives of Ghanaians have improved greatly, the country still faces many challenges, especially in the education sector.
In Ghana, 18% of primary school age children are not enrolled in school and of those who are in school, 28% will drop out before completing primary school (UNESCO, 2012). Additionally, over 28% of the Ghanaian population is illiterate and out of all the current primary school classrooms, the government estimates that almost a quarter need repairs (World Bank, 2014; USAID, 2009).
PoP works with 142 communities in Ghana to ensure that students overcome these and other barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 35,000 students in Ghana.
WHY GUATEMALA?
In Guatemala, where over 50% of the population lives below the poverty line, socioeconomic status is one of the biggest barriers to accessing a quality education (World Bank 2013). The average length of schooling for a Guatemalan child is only four years and 24.1% of the population is illiterate (US Aid 2014; World Bank 2014).
Pencils of Promise works with 190 communities in Guatemala to ensure our students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 37,000 students in Guatemala.
WHY LAOS?
In Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, a lack of educational infrastructure is one of the greatest barriers to accessing a quality education (BBC News Asia). 27% of people in Laos are illiterate, with even higher illiteracy rates amongst ethnic minorities (World Bank 2014).
Pencils of Promise works with 113 communities in Laos to ensure that our students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 14,000 students in Laos.
Sézane’s Impact on Quality Education
Through Sézane’s incredible $250,000 commitment, Pencils of Promise is able to provide quality education to thousands more students around the world. These students will not only have access to a safe school structure, but also inspired teachers, literacy materials, PoP’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program, clean water and private bathrooms.
By investing in Pencils of Promise’s programs, you’re helping strengthen the foundation of learning environments around the world.
Learn more about the programs you’re supporting:
We stand behind the rationale that students will perform better if classrooms are led by enthusiastic, inspired and well-trained teachers. To ensure that our students are receiving a high-quality education, we provide our teachers with training and innovative resources, enhancing the delivery of national curriculum and empowering them to lead dynamic and effective lessons.
85% of the communities we visit lack basic infrastructure. We believe that a quality learning environment is critical to increasing student attendance, engagement and overall literacy outcomes—so we build schools to ensure that all of our students have access to a safe and healthy place to learn.
Before a PoP School Build
Previously, the preprimary students of Oborpah Djerkiti were being taught in an old, mud chapel structure. This structure lacked doors and windows, and the walls were deeply cracked. These conditions clearly posed a hazard to student safety and well-being, as well as to engagement and learning.
While roads connecting to Oborpah Djerkiti are muddy and mobile service in the area is poor, our team is collaborating with this farming community to schedule construction updates and make possible a higher-quality learning environment for the hundreds of currently-enrolled students.
Your Impact with a New PoP School
Through your incredible support, PoP was able to partner with the Oborpah Djerkiti community to complete a new two-unit structure for preprimary students. This structure is now providing a safe and secure foundation for students to reach their full potential without a constant safety risk. In addition to the new classrooms, we also completed repairs on the pre-existing classrooms. The Oborpah Djerkiti School officially broke ground in November 2018, and we officially completed construction in April 2019. The community is so enthusiastic knowing that students now have access to a positive, safe learning environment—this school is estimated to impact over 500 students throughout its lifetime.
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programs (WASH)
443 million school days are lost each year because of water-and sanitation-related diseases (UNDP). We believe that access to clean water, private bathrooms and good hygiene practices are essential for the growth and development of students. Our WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program provides safe, clean infrastructure, coupled with knowledge on hygiene behavior to keep kids healthy, happy and in school.
From the start, we’ve believed a PoP school should be more than just a building: it’s the start of a transformative education. It’s a spark that creates a sustainable partnership with communities and unlocks the promise of generations to come. By investing in these programs, you are ensuring PoP students are progressing in their education, and we’ve got the results to prove it. You are joining us as we build hope, joy, community and a brighter future!
Thank you.
Below, meet a PoP teacher, team member and student who are benefitting from these programs:
IMPACT UPDATES
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Mr. Buahini — Teacher, 6th grade
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Ms. Khamthilat — Laos Team
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