#RuralEducationProblems(and

#RuralEducationSolutions)

More than half of the 57 million children out of school worldwide are

from rural areas.

We talk a lot about access to education but the quality of that education is equally important.

Access and Quality

The global learning crisis:250 million children in primary school cannot read. In Ghana one-half of young women and one-third of young men could not read one sentence even though they had spent six years in school. (UNESCO)

This is what we’ve seen, learned and implemented ->

The Akaa Project has been working with the Asiafo Amanfro Community School, in rural Ghana, since 2008 to address these challenges.

#RuralEducationProblem 1Government (public) schools are structured the same for villages and cities/towns. But they are serving populations with different characteristics.

Rural vs. UrbanSome differing characteristics for typical rural and urban areas:

Rural Urban

Transport None or only on market days

Available Daily

School options Closest school Government and private

Distance from gov. services/agencies

Far Near

Income Level Lower Higher

Income Source Agricultural based Variety of sources

Community strength

Strong, close Weaker, more individualistic

Natural Resources Availability

Many available Must purchase

Education levels Lower Higher

#RuralEducationSolution 1

Community Ownership

Approach rural education differently. Focus on the characteristics and needs for rural communities. Utilize strengths and build upon weaknesses.

Empower through community voice, decision making and responsibility. Create collaborative community-inspired education.

Community OwnershipAsiafo Amanfro Community School

#RuralEducationProblem 2There is no accountability or supervision for teachers. They are late, absent or leave early and spend little time actually teaching.

#RuralEducationSolution 2

#RuralEducationSolution 2Approach teachers differently. Consistent teacher training throughout the year and performance based salary. Help teachers become passionate educators.

Happy Teachers!

All our teachers are from the community; they know best what their community needs. Empower teachers as co-learners ; inspired teachers teach differently.

Happy TeachersAsiafo Amanfro Community School

#RuralEducationProblem 3High drop out and grade-repetition rates, low individual student growth, passive learning and curriculum.

#RuralEducationSolution 3Active curriculum, life skills development activities, use community strengths to ensure attendance and student commitment.

Child Focused

Engage children to love learning through an active curriculum and extra-curriculars. Acknowledging children’s different learning styles. Create greater educational opportunity.

Child FocusedAsiafo Amanfro Community School

Let’s sum it up: The Akaa Project’s Top 3 #RuralEducationSolutions

Community OwnershipHappy TeachersChild-Focused

Join The Akaa Project in addressing #RuralEducationProblems

Learn more about global education at UNESCO.org