NUMA Water System - 14 Schools
Ghana is one of the most densely populated countries in West Africa. Since the adoption of a new constitution in 1993, Ghana has become more politically stable, but a history of coups, food shortages and corruption means the country remains poor and indebted. The three northern regions are particularly deprived, with one in ten children dying before their fifth birthday. 80% of all diseases in Ghana are caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation and more than nine million people don’t have access to safe drinking water. Our implementing partner, Water4, is planning the construction of 14 safe water points for schools in 6 communities in Ghana. In addition to the students enrolled, 5 to 8 teachers are living on or near each school campus and will also have access to the piped water resource. By providing safe water for teachers and staff, more teachers are willing to stay in these more rural areas rather than transferring to a more urban school district.
Adaklu Torda School
Adaklu Torda is a rural community situated in the Volta region of Ghana, with a population of approximately 4,100. The primary economic activities in the area include subsistence farming, trading, and hunting. The residents are known for their friendliness and hospitality.The Adaklu Torda community school was founded in 1962 through a collaboration between the Government of Ghana and the local community. Since its inception, the school has seen little major development from the government, prompting community members to regularly unite and contribute to the school's support through communal labor, alongside assistance from various organizations. The current school population is 280, ranging from kindergarten through ninth grade.
Awudome Avenui School
Awudome Avenui is a rural community situated in Ghana's Volta region. It has an approximate population of 4,500. Subsistence farming, trading, and hunting are the primary economic activities in the area. The residents are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The Awudome Avenui community school, founded in 1948 through a collaboration between the Government of Ghana and the local community, has seen little major development from the government since its inception. Consequently, community members regularly unite to provide support for the school via communal labor, often with the assistance of various organizations. The school currently has a population of 100 students, ranging from grade 7 to grade 9.
Saviefe Deme Community School
Saviefe Deme is a rural community located in the Volta region of Ghana and has a population of approximately 3,100 people. The major economic activity in the community is subsistent farming, trading, and hunting. The people are very friendly and accommodating. Saviefe Deme Community School was established in 1964 by the Government of Ghana in partnership with the community. The school has not received any major development from the government since its establishment, so the community members always come together to support the school through communal labor with the support of other organizations. Being the only school in the area, the school currently has 150 students ranging from kindergarten to grade 9.
Women’s Production Program
Our implementing partner, Volunteers for Amelioration of Rural Areas (VARAS), started the women's apprenticeship program in 2019 under their women empowerment program in Ghana. The apprenticeship program aims to provide skill-based training to rural women in desperate abusive situations so they can be economically and socially empowered. The skill undertraining is sewing and dressmaking, which includes sewing clothes for both men and women and other auxiliaries. But to broaden their skill set, other essential training, like soap making, is taught. Also, to better prepare them, they are taught basic English and Math, Business skills/entrepreneurial training, and computer lessons. These comprehensive skills are to position them to work in any environment without hindrance. The training takes 12 months of the calendar year and is free of charge. After their training, they are given a free hand sewing machine, certificate, and other necessary tools to remove the hurdle of starting a business. The training is in its fourth year, and 24 women have successfully graduated and established themselves. In terms of impact, more than 3000 families now have livelihoods because of the training program.The program is a dual system, consisting of an apprenticeship, which is the training component, and a production program, which serves as the employment phase. The production program, a social enterprise, aims to further engage and employ female graduates who, unfortunately, were unable to find employment and have returned to their pre-training circumstances.