Impact Story: Crismond Academy’s Shift Towards Student Centred Learning, Ghana
Crismond Academy, located in Ghana has been focused on supporting the personal and academic growth of children aged 3-15 since its founding in 2011. It started off as a small school with just 10 students and 3 teachers, however over the last 14 years it has expanded to serve 1,354 learners through a team of 45 educators. As enrolment at Crismond Academy increased, school leaders were encouraged to improve the quality of education provided at the institution.
In March 2023, the school enrolled in Opportunity EduFinance’s 3-year EduQuality Program, which offers school leaders and teachers structured workshops, in-person coaching and practical resource materials designed to strengthen curriculum delivery and build leadership capacity. Participation in the program led to a notable shift in the school’s academic approach.
School teachers and leaders were connected and began regular meetings through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where they collaborated to share best practices, address challenges and refine their lesson planning. This process contributed to the pedagogical shift towards student-centred learning.
Teachers started to refine their lesson structures to encourage student participation, build critical thinking and improve problem-solving skills. They also tried to tailor their lesson instruction to the varied learning styles and needs of students. With these changes, members of staff expressed higher levels of engagement from students and increasingly interactive classes. This shift was not limited to students, as many educators noted an increase in their confidence and enthusiasm towards teaching.
“Classroom interactions have become very lively and active. Every child is involved” Rosemond Adom Okekreafor, School Proprietor
The school’s commitment to continuous improvement was formally recognised when Crismond Academy (change to pseudonym) was awarded 3rd place in the 2024 Global EduQuality Awards. The award was presented to acknowledge the successes of Crismond Academy (change) in creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for students.
