Impact Story: Ampontuah Best Link Academy, Ghana
In 2010, Mr. Owusu Obed established Ampontuah Best Link Academy in Asuofua Asamang, Ghana. Initially, the school operated in a single large room, where Mr. Obed himself taught multiple classes. Over the years, he gradually expanded the school, and now employs 4 teachers, with 59 enrolled learners.
To finance the school's development, Mr. Obed obtained loans from OISL Bank. He used the first loan to pay staff salaries and set up additional classrooms. Subsequently, a second loan allowed the purchase of a new plot of land, with plans to relocate and create an improved learning environment that would attract more parents in the community to enroll their children.
Through OISL, Ampontuah Best Link Academy became a part of the EduQuality program and joined the Unity and Strength cluster, where school leaders engage in regular cluster meetings to share knowledge and insights. Mr. Obed has greatly benefited from these gatherings, learning from his peers, and implementing effective methods to enhance the school's management.
The EduQuality program’s School Leadership Professional Development (SLPD) training supports school leaders in honing their management techniques and leadership skills. As part of a school development plan, Mr. Obed prioritized establishing a robust child protection policy for the school. Additionally, the EduQuality program offers Teacher Mentor Professional Development Training (TMPD) to facilitate teacher training through mentorship. Teachers at Ampontuah Best Link Academy have adopted this training through classroom observations and feedback, resulting in increased learner engagement.
Despite these successes, one major challenge the school faces is low learner enrollment, largely attributed to inadequate classrooms and infrastructure. However, Mr. Obed is optimistic that the planned development of a new school site will address this issue. Moreover, the school aims to boost enrollment by actively marketing to parents through showcases and parent-teacher conferences.