Bridging the Education Gap:
Stand Together Foundation Grants Scholarships to Needy Students in Ghana

Introduction:
Financial constraints have become a major hurdle in accessing educational opportunities in local areas of Ghana. In the Oforikrom municipality, families and school-going children face the challenge of affording the cost of education, leading to the risk of dropping out. However, in a commendable effort to address this issue, the Stand Together Educational Foundation and Scholarships (STEFSS) has stepped forward to provide educational support to 11 brilliant and underprivileged students in the area.

Ghana’s Education Crisis:
Ghana’s 2021 Population and Housing Census (PHC) revealed a disheartening reality, with over 1.2 million children aged 4 to 17 years not attending school. Among them, a staggering 900,000 children have never even had the opportunity to experience formal education. The lack of financial resources often results in limited access to quality schools and academic materials, exacerbating the education crisis.

STEFSS Paving the Way for a Better Future:
In response to the urgent need for support, the Stand Together Educational Foundation and Scholarships (STEFSS) has taken up the responsibility of assisting underprivileged children in the community to access education. The 11 beneficiaries have been awarded full scholarships, along with provisions for book supplies, accommodation, and meals.

A Noble Vision:
The  founder, Nana Fosuhene Apenten Boakye Yiadom, shared their vision. “Our dream is to help brilliant and needy students. Currently, we are awarding two university students and nine basic school pupils a full scholarship. We are helping in our small way to boost education in Oforikrom municipality. Education is the bedrock of any country, and without it, we would not be living a better life. We aim to help people who have issues and are going through hardships. We hope that our support will help them to have a bright future.”

Emphasizing the Importance of Responsibility:
Ofori Kyerekyera, the Assemblymember of the Oforikrom West Electoral Area, offered valuable advice to the beneficiaries and parents. He urged the recipients to take their education seriously, study diligently, and emerge successful. Parents were also encouraged to actively monitor their wards’ progress, ensuring that they make the most of the opportunity provided.

A Grateful Beneficiary:
One of the beneficiaries, Essandor Bismark, expressed his gratitude for the Stand Together Educational Scholarship. He shared, “I applied for a Stand Together Educational Scholarship, and they granted me this opportunity to take care of myself through my university from level 100 to level 400. I believe it will help me work even harder to achieve their aim. I give thanks to them. May God bless them and make His face shine upon them.”

The Stand Together Educational Foundation and Scholarships (STEFSS) is making a significant impact in bridging the education gap for underprivileged students in Oforikrom. With their unwavering support and dedication, they are providing a ray of hope for a brighter future for the poverty-stricken children in the region. Through their efforts, they are not only transforming individual lives but also contributing to the development and prosperity of the community and the nation as a whole.