After a thorough scrutiny of the data, thirty-six students were selected for the 2020/2021 academic year. I should admit that the selection was tougher this year since we had seventeen (17) more students who equally qualified and deserving of our supports, but had no sponsorship for them.

Below is the list of the selected students with something little about them. Sponsors of these individual students will get to know them more. Two of the selected students are without named sponsors.

Adelaide Nunoo Gordon’s mother passed away when she was only six-year-old. She has lived with her grandmother and an aunty since then. Her father is nowhere to be found. Adelaide is enrolled at Methodist Senior High School. Sponsor: Bob

Anna Sam was selected from Mpeasem A.M.E. Zion basic school. She was the best student from her school. Her father is in his early eighties and mother in her late fifties. Both parents are weak and financial unsound to fully support this promising young lady. Anna said, she doubts if her father can support her throughout her schooling – he is very weak and diabetic. Anna aspires to become a professional teacher in the future. She prays to achieve her goal so that she can be useful to her family, community, and the nation. Anna is receiving her high school education at Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School. Sponsor: Mark

Beauty Nimo Arthur is from Efutu. Her parents divorced when she was only 2years and she has since been under the care of her mother. Her mother assists someone to operate a “chopbar”, a local eatery for a wage. Beauty has been selling oranges and bananas to support her mother to cater for her and her other siblings. Her hopes of going through senior high school were further dimmed when her mother had no strength to work at the “chopbar”. With supports from Anansi, Beauty is currently at Aburaman Senior High School studying Home Economics. Sponsors: Merrill & Lorene

Charity Arthur from Yabiw in the Shama Ahanta Metropolis started experiencing the worse of life’s tragedy when her father passed away in 2018. She said her father was provident so his absence is heavily felt by the family. Charity wants to be a journalist in future. With Anansi’s support, she is successfully enrolled at Daboase Senior High Technical School. Sponsor: Leigh

“I lost both parent to a road accident when I was very little” – words of Charlotte Morgan. Charlotte wants to become a nurse in future to support sick persons. She stays with her aunty who takes care of Charlotte and her little sister in addition to her own children. With the help of Anansi, Charlotte is successfully enrolled at Edinaman Senior High School. Sponsor: Pam

“Due to the financial inabilities of my parents, I was given out to one madam Akos, a fish monger, whom I help to smoke fish” – Christiana Sena Kpodo. She said that because she does not relate to her foster mother, she is heavily maltreated. Despite the pains Christiana went through, she still managed to be one of the best students from her basic school. She wants to be a nurse in future so that she can educate the young girls in her community about adolescent reproductive health. With Anansi’s support, the daughter of a “kayaye”, a person who carries load at the market for a fee, has a rejuvenated hope to receive high school education at Daboase Senior High Technical School to study General Science. Sponsor: Barbara

Cletus Armstrong Mensah completed the Mpeasem A.M.E. Zion Basic School. He was one of the bright students from the school. His mother operates a table-top shop and the father is a mason. He is the 4th Child of his parents seven children. Cletus wants to be specialist in his field of work in future. He is enrolled at Adisadel College in Cape Coast. Sponsor: Bob

Elimelech Nunoo is from Assorko Essamang in the Shama Ahanta Metropolis. His father is a commercial tricycle rider and his mother sells Banku, a local dish. He is the 2nd child of his parents’ four children. His elder sibling is physically and mentally impaired which has cost the parents a lot. The father who provides for the family is now jobless as the tricycle he works with is damaged. Elimelech wants to be a great agricultural entrepreneur in Ghana in the near future. Anansi supported Elimelech’s family to put together his items required for high school. He is now at Fiaseman Senior High School studying Agricultural Science. Sponsor: Micky 

Elizabeth Gyekye said she aspires to become a medical doctor in the nearest future. She said the profession is so dear to her heart such that she is ever determine to study harder for it. She also likes to sing. She is a daughter of a welder and a petty trader. Elizabeth has gained admission at Wesley Girls Senior High School to study General Science. Sponsor: Kevin & Mary

Emelia Sam from Ayeldu near Abura Dunkwa. Both of her parents work as labourers in other people’s farm in order to get money to feed their family. Emelia supports the home by selling iced-water and drink. Due to the challenges at home, she said that she hardly went to school. With Anansi supporting her to fully benefit from her senior high school education at Obiri Yeboah Senior High School, Emelia says she is more motivated to study now. Sponsor: Gaby

Emmanuel Tawiah is from Biriwa. He is the fifth child of his parents’ seven children. His family now lives in a one room donated to them by their church. Emmanuel said barely does his father gets money to support the house and to count of paying for his school materials. He is determined of breaking his family’s poverty vicious cycle one day. “I want to be a teacher but how can my dream be realised looking at my living conditions? I believe with my studiousness and Anansi’s sponsorship; I can go far towards achieving my dream” – these are words of Emmanuel. He is now studying general science at Methodist High Senior High School. Sponsors: Kevin & Mary 

“My name is Ernestina Ansah. My mother died when I was in junior high school first year. I was living with my father together with my three siblings. One day when we returned from school our father was nowhere to be found. We were left to face life by ourselves.” These are excerpts of Ernestina’s story. Ernestina is currently staying with a neighbour and Anansi is supporting her to fully enjoy her further education at Oguaa Senior High Technical School in Cape Coast. Ernestina wants to become a nurse in future. Sponsor: Mavis 

“I am Ernestina Yamoah. My parents divorced when my younger brother was a year and half old and he is eight years old now. Since then, life hasn’t been easy with us at all. We are six siblings sleeping in one room with my mother”. At the time of our assessment, Ernestina family had no electricity in their house because they couldn’t afford it. She prays to have a better future with hard work so that she can motivate more younger ones who will be going similar situations to aspire higher. Ernestina is now at Effutu Senior High Technical School. Sponsors: Mark & Kirsten

Francisca Odei-Banning is a child of a pensioner and a petty trader. Francisca wants to become a chartered accountant in future. She is receiving her high school education at Swedru Senior High School. Sponsor: Mary 

Gift Winifred Fletcher-Acquah is from Saltpond but stays at Efutu-Koforidua. Her father is a rural preacher and the mother is a janitor. The family relies on the income the mother realises at the end of the mother. Gift said that her parents were always worried about how they would cater for her at the senior high school. She is very thankful Anansi selected her for support to start her high school at Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School. Sponsor: Leigh

Grace Asibi Akunla lost her father who was the breadwinner when she was seven years. Her mother who sells tomatoes has been the one taking care of her and her two other siblings. Grace wants to become a nutritionist in future. She is receiving her senior high school education at the Cape Coast Technical Institute. Sponsor: Anansi Education

Isaac Afranie is from Assin Foso Odumasi. He used to sell firewood to support his mother who is the breadwinner of his family of four children. Isaac recounts going to school sometimes on an empty stomach and therefore depending on benevolent friends to get him food at school. He wants to be a medical doctor in future to serve as an inspiration to many young one in his community where drug abuse and teenage pregnancy is prevalent. Anansi supported Isaac to enroll at Twifo Praso Senior High School where he is studying general science. 

“I am Ismael Dodoo. I lost my father when I was an infant. I have been staying with mother who even struggles to put food on the table for her three children. I work as a labourer to support the family mostly.” Ismael says it has been his prayer to learn very hard to become a successful person in future to help his family and others. Anansi supported Ismael to enroll at Effutu Senior High Technical School. Sponsor: Mike

Ishmealina Essuman stays at Efutu with her mother who solely caters for her because her father is now incapable to provide because he is weak and sick. The mother assists someone to sell ready-made school uniforms during market days at Jukwa. Her mother cares for three other children too. Ishmealina is at Komenda Senior High Technical School. Sponsors: Ted & Chris 

Joshua Kofi Kwawu fled from his home town in the Volta Region to his current location in the Awuna Beach of the Shama Ahanta Metropolis when his family refused him school and wanted him to engage in full-time fishing. Joshua is the oldest of our students for this year, born in 1993. He said, he had to stay at home for years to support his father until he realised his father has no interest in his education. He is currently staying with his old aunty who is financially incapable. Joshua goes for fishing and fetching firewood weekends now to provide food for himself. Joshua is now enrolled in Shama Senior High School. He wants to become a banker in future. Sponsors: Ted & Chris

Kelvin Joe Mensah wants to become a civil engineer in future. His parents separated when he was a baby and has since lived with the grandmother. When the grandmother retired, her support for Kelvin reduced since she had other three grandchildren to cater for. Kelvin was then moved to his aunty who is a food vendor at a public school. Anansi is supporting Kelvin to better enjoy his high school education at Effutu Senior High Technical School. Sponsor: Leslie 

Mariam Ishaque belongs to a family of six. Her father is late and her mother who is a petty trading solely takes care of the five children. Due to the pressure on the mother, she was moved to stay with the grandmother. Mariam wants to become a teacher in the future. She is enrolled at University Practice Senior High School in Cape Coast. Sponsor: Jane

Mary Aidoo was selected from Akotokyire in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Her father is a plumber and her mother is a seller of fruits. Mary is currently schooling at Aggrey Memorial Senior High School in Cape Coast. Sponsor: Ted & Chris 

Matilda Nunoo wants to be a midwife in future. She said hardly did she receive support from home so she used to sell soap in order to raise some money to buy her books and even food for school. Her old parents aren’t working and therefore have little to offer. She sees Anansi’s support as a motivation to keep up learning and staying focus in order to achieve her dream. Matilda is at Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School kind courtesy of Anansi. Sponsor: Alisa 

“I have parents but they are nowhere to be found.” This is the story of Michael Amoah from Moree, a town close to Cape Coast. Michael has been under the care of his grandmother who is in her seventies. He depends on the charities his grandmother receives for his feeding and school materials. He said, considering his age which is six years above his class’s average age, he is self-motivated to beat all odds. He wants to become a teacher in future in order to impact many younger ones. He is studying Visual Arts at Nyankumasi Ahenkro Senior High School with supports from Anansi Education. Sponsor: Leigh

Millicent Marfo’s father is a mason and her mother sells roasted corn and groundnut. She said her father lost his job five years ago and since the family solely rely on the mother who makes a little from her sales. Millicent foresees herself in ten year from now being a medical doctor. Her father suggested she learns a trade, but with the support from Anansi, she is successfully enrolled at Oguaa Senior High School in Cape Coast studying General Science. Sponsor: Stephen

I don’t want to be a burden on my parents and the society – words of Moses Arthur of Ankwandah. “My aspiration is to become independent and self-reliant in future.” His father is a farmer who has little money to even hire a labourer to help him expand his farm. Moses is at Adisadel College studying Business. Sponsor: Jane 

Nicholas Fofie is a son of a carpenter and a petty trader. He has three other siblings. Nicholas has always had the dream of becoming a lecturer in future. He said, it will be really difficult task for my parents to put me through senior high school. Fortunately, Anansi selected Nicholas to enroll at the Saint Augustine’s College in Cape Coast to pursue Business studies. Sponsor: Bob 

Patrick Arkoh stays at Ankwandah with his grandmother. The parents are separated and this has left him caretaking in the hands of his aged-grandmother. Patrick is receiving his high school education at Oguaa Senior High Technical School in Cape Coast. Sponsors: Anthony & Colleen  

Peter Brenyah lives in Assin Dominase, a farming village around Assin Foso. He attended Assin Dominase Basic School. He is the sixth and last child. He solely depends on her mother, who caters for the other siblings as well. None of his siblings had a high school education. He currently schools at Academy of Christ the King in Cape Coast. Sponsor: Brad & Victoria 

Richard Yeboah is from Assin Foso Odumasi. He has been under the care of his mother since the whereabout of his father is unknown. Richard is the third child of his mother’s five children. Fetching firewood has been their only source of income. None of his elder siblings had gone beyond the basic education level, therefore he is the first to have high school education. Richard is now at Twifo Praso Senior High School. Sponsor: Larry 

“I was told my father travelled when my mother impregnated me, since I was borne, I have been catered for by my grandmother” – words of Richmond Obeng. His grandmother told Anansi that she hears from neither the father nor the mother. The grandmother sells charcoal. Both Solomon and the grandmother were stay and taking care of one old man at Yaayakwano, but had to relocated to their hometown at Biriwa when the man died. Solomon is receiving his high school education at Oguaa Senior High Technical school in Cape Coast. Sponsor: Eleanor

Salamatu Issah from Assin Foso Zongo through Anansi’s support was able to break the barrier of entry to senior high school. Her divorced parents weren’t in agreement with her decision to proceed to senior high school. She wants to be become a police officer in future, but believes education is the only means to earn her there. Salamatu stays with her sister who sells charcoal to cater for her and others. She gained admission to Twifo Praso Senior High School. Sponsor: Anansi Education 

“I was told my father was involved in a car accident which took away his life when I was three years” – Sherifatu Ayuba. Her mother has been the one caring for her until she lost her job. Since then, she has been the responsibility of her grandfather. Sherifatu said she was countlessly sacked out of school because she owed almost everything which required money to pay for. Sherifatu has a dream of becoming a caterer. She is studying Home Economics at the Academy of Christ Senior High School. Sponsor: Anansi Education

Solomon Nkesiah recounted that if not by the assistance of some of his teachers and friends at school, he couldn’t have completed basic school. Both parents are peasant farmers who realise no money or little from their toil. For this reason, Solomon had no push financially to enjoy even his basic school education. Anansi is supporting Solomon to best enjoy his senior high school education at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast. Sponsor: Alisa

“Life for me has not been that easy. My mother as a single parent has been trying her best to help me, but it hasn’t been easy”. These are words from Trudylove Odoom. She wants to be a nurse in future. She believes with her profession; she can help save more lives in her community. Anansi is supporting Trudylove at Ghana National College in Cape Coast throughout her three-year senior high school education. Sponsor: Larry

Thank you, all sponsors and patrons of Anansi Education for supporting us. We wish the best of luck in everything. We appreciate it.

Michael Abaidoo Junior, Sponsors – Becky Bay and Leigh McDonnell

I want to be given the scholarship from your organization to help me continue my education into senior High School. I want to be a police officer to help my nation to combat crime, but my parents can not afford my education to achieve my aim due to financial constraint. I was even suffered during my basic education in terms of financially but I was able to accel. My grandfather promise to help me but unfortunatery he pass away two weeks ago. Therefor if you don’t considere me for the scholarship I can not achieve my dreams. I would much greatful if my application is given due consideration to enable me to climb the educational platform to reach my dream and also to get something for my basic needs. aggregate 17

Dawuda Anderson, Sponsor – Louise Wilkinson

I am a boy of 17 years of age, my name is Dawudo Anderson and I completed St. Peter’s Anglican Junior High School, Ansapetu.

I want Anansi to award me a scholarhip to senior high school for the following reasons:

Firstly, since I got to Junior High School, things are not easy for me about my financial needs. Because my father is very old and weak now, so he is not able to work to bring money home and my mother too is a farmer. The little money she gets from her produce are used to cater for all of us in the house. And none of my siblings are working to help me in the senior high level. Even when I was in school sometimes, I don’t go to school with and that event prevent me for being attentive in class. So things were very difficult for me.

When my result came I wa thinking about the person who will push me to the senior high level because there is no money in the house and no one in my community is willing to help me. So my mother told me that I will not go to S.H.S. because there is no money. I am a brilliant boy who wants to go to SHS so that I will become a prominent person in future.

My dream for the future is to help those in need and the orphans, and to do that is my target. I would therefore be grateful if I am sponsored. Thank you, may God bless you for your good work. aggregate 17

Benedicta Apagya, Sponsor – Sameer Anshad

I would like to take this opportunity to air my views on the reason why I think Anansi should awarded me a scholarship to Senior High School.

Firstly, I want Anansi Education to help. That is don’t have anybody to help me to go to the senior high school to achieve my aim. That is why I am in your hands. Even though I was born into a family but my family cannot take me to the Senior High School especially my Father. He doesn’t have enough money to take me to school. When I was in my Junior High Schol I suffered a lot, even my feeding fee. They could not give me so I do not want to pass through that problems again.

In my village there have ben a lot of teenage pregnancy there because there is a high illetracy rate and I have plan to be a nurse in future so I want to achieve my goal.

I will like to end here. I think that all my permissior will be considered and accept me. Thanks you.

Yours Faithfull,

Benedicta Apagya, aggregate 16

Hammond Appau, Sponsors – Maureen Cooley and Monica Contreras

Anansi should award me scholarship to Senior High School because my parents have divoursed. And as a result of that I am staying with my mother. So it is difficult for my Mum to push me into Senior High School.

Financial issues are very difficult for her, and she will not get any help to push me into Senior High School. So I will stay home. And for me, my future dream is to become a Doctor. So I need help from Anansi to award me scholarship to Senior High School so that my future dream will come into reality. Thank you. aggregate 16

Doris Essel, Sponsors – Kevin and Mary Galley

A Scholarship is one of the benefits given to students who their parent cannot afford to further education. My dreams is to be a nurse in future, but my parents cannot let my dream come through because of their financial situation in the house. In fact, I always thinking of my dreams and been so good. I know that Anansi scholarship would be helpful to me to further my education. Also it will enable me to study with sound mind without thinking how my fees would be paid a well as my needs. As a girl of my type I would need basic things that relate to my studying at school. I know that the scholarship given to me will go well to help me to achieve my dreams.

I would be very much pleased if my request and performance will grant me the chance.

May God bless Anansi Scholarship Scheme. aggregate 16

Shadrack Essyman, Sponsors – Justin and Crystal Atkinson

A great scholar in life once said, “What one person has been able to do another person can do, but if not better all he/she need is determination and perservance.” Because I want to be a great person in future, I am determined and preserved to achieve my goal. But there is no money in the house. S the main reason I am applying for this scholarship is to help me bring my visions into realities so that I wll be a benefit to my community, my nation and the world as a whole. There are many people in my house that did not continue school after J.H.S. just because there’s no money. But because I want to be a “Doctor”, I am applying for this scholarship. I know you will understand me and respond to my aid. Thank you. aggregate 15

Mercy Fosu, Sponsors – Lois Cartright and Mark Harfenist

The reason for me to apply for the Scholarship is that I am a needy student, but I want to go to Senior High School to achieve my aims. I want to be a nurse but my single parent that is my mother cannot afford to pay the fees and also my needs. If the scholarship is given to me it will help me to reach my aim and also achieve my dream to help the community as well as the nation.

Again I can concentrate on my books without thinking how my fees will be paid and other needs provided. When I become a nurse in future it will help me and my family as well.

May God bless Anansi Scholarship Organization aggregate 15

Emmanuel Odoi, Sponsors – James Kendal and Nathan Davis, and Larry and Alisa Roe

The reasons why I want to be awarded a scholarship is that my parents don’t have enough money to further my education. I am interest to further my education to the highest level but due to their situertion, they may not be able to help me to achieve my aim.

The occupation of my parents can not afford my education at senior high school.

My dream is to be a lawyer in future after studying hard.

My dream is to defend the people of Ghana as well as the nation in positive ways. When I am financial sound It will help me to study hard all times to climb educational ladder for my future dreams to materialized.

I would be so much appreciated if I am awarded scholarship. aggregate 12

Thank you.

Grace Okwan, Sponsors – Brad Lakey and Victoria Haney

I would be very greateful if you could sponsor me to the Senior High School (S.H.S.) to continue with my education. Anansi, if you sponser me to the Senior High School, I will learn hard in order to become a jenournlist in future.

The reason why I would like to be given a schorlarship is that my parents cannot afford to pay my school fees. This is because my father doesn’t work, all that he does is cutting trees and burn for charcoal in order to sell and look after us. We are five children living in a single room including my parents making seven. My mother too doesn’t work, all that she does is sell charcoal in order to support us. Sometimes when we are coming to school, we don’t even eat at home. We come to school empty handed.

I want to be a jonourlist in future. Ever since I was growing up I never saw a person in my village who is a jenourlist, so I would like to be a jenourlist so as to serve as a role model to my family members, siblings, cousins and my community a well.

If you sponser me to the Senior High School, I promise that I would not let you down. I will do my best to achieve my aim and to motivate others too. aggregate 20

Sandra Okyei, Sponsors – Stephen and Mavis Roe

The reasons for applying the scholarship from your outfit is that I am interest in further my education to the hightest level but my parent can not afford it to achive my ambition. My parent are farmers and they are not strong financially to help me to reach my dream when I am in need and also my fees can not be paid as it is, and that, it well affect my academic work.

I want to be a nurse in future after my education in order to help my community as well as the nation. When I am financially sound it well help me to concentrate to my study all the time to climb the education ladder for my dreams to come to been.

I would be much appreciated if I am considered the Scholarship. aggregate 12

Thank you.

Grace Tawiah, Sponsors – Gary and Gail Fortenberry

Anansi should award me a scholarship to Senior High School because my father died when I was at stage five (5). And my mother too is not working, only small scale of farming so it is very difficult for my mother to take me to senior high school. And I want to be a nurse in future so I need to be pushed to the senior high school so that my dreams will come true in future. I will be very pleased if I continue my education because being a nurse in future is not just J.H.S. certificate. aggregate 16

Solomon Okyere, Sponsor – Kathryn Roe

Anansi Scholarship is one of the benefits given to needy students to further their education. Therefore, the reasons for applying for the scholarship from your outfit is that I am interested in furthering my education to the highest level. My mother cannot afford it to achieve my ambition. My mother is a farmer and she is not strong financially to help me to reach my dream when I am in need. Also, my fees are not paid as it is, and it will affect my academic work.

I want to be a police in future after my education in order to help my community as well as the nation. When I am financially sound it will help me to concentrate on my study. I want to climb the educational ladder for my dreams to come to be.

I would be much appreciated if I am considered for a scholarship.

May God richly bless Anansi Scholarship Organization.

Thank You. aggregate 16

(Solomon graduated from Junior High School in 2014 and has been at home for a year without funds to attend high school.)

Victoria Morgue, Sponsor – John and Margaret Preus

I am Eduaful Victoria Morgue. I am a girl of sixteen (16) years of age.   I am dark in complexion. I stay at Tayido. My mother’s name is Madame Juliana Mensah. Unfortunately I lost my dady when I was in form one (1). As you can see a family without a father or head does not constitute a better family. Since my father left, my mum has been the only person catering for us. She is a food vendor. She does not sell or make in a day because at times she brings back home some of the food for us to eat and this is badly affecting us the children. I have four beautiful sisters and two brothers. My mum’s last born is a boy and he is in class two. Three of my mothers children have completed JHS.

Since I was growing up, I have never seen a nurse in my area and so I have made up my mind to become one pattern. My sister who is at UCC followed to achieve my aim. Since my dad left us, there has been no support from anywhere and I want to be a nurse in future. I want to help my family, the community and the nation as a whole if I achieve my aim of becoming a nurse in future.

When I get the chance of furthering my education to become a nurse, I will help control the outbreak of disease in my area which usually kill many people in my community and others.

If I am given the scholarship I will try my best and learn better than I do to achieve my aim in future. Thank you. aggregate 20

Suweidu Abubakar, Sponsor – Portland Poetry People

My name is Suweidu Abubakar. I am seventeen years old. I come from a family of seven; 2 boys and 3 sisters. My mom is in the north working with somebody (baking) and my father is a farmer. I attended Adventisit Prep School. I was the sanitation prefect in the school. I am a hardworking, respectful, obedient, dedicated and kind person. These qualities helped me to acquire the position as the sanitation prefect. I am a devoted muslim.

My dream is to become a petrol engineer. Looking at Ghana’s inability to exploit our resources adequately, I was encouragd to take up this dream. I would also like to engage in the import and export business to promote made in Ghana goods. I also want to be a politician (minister) so that I contribute to national development.

Looking at the number of persons in mu family and the financial condition of my parents, they will be unable to support me to further my education to the level required. I will be happy if Anansi can help me, too, with this award. aggregate 16

Husseina Tijani, Sponsor – Miranda Holms

1. I would be much glad if Anansi award me a scholarship because to become what I want in future needs a lot of support and I cannot afford it. So with your aid I really think all things will be possible only with Anansi.

2. Again, I would be much affectionate if only Anansi award me a scholarship because I cannot continue my education because life have became difficult to me and really know when Anansi help me out, I can really be successed.

3. Because my twins sister and I completed this academic year and you also know that to care for ones care on education takes a lot and but is not single but double. Again is our grandfather who is taking good care of us and it is not easy at all. My sister and I sell porridge to support our standard of living and grandpa is also old to work. I really think if Anansi award me that scholarship I would get that opportunity to become what I want in future (medical doctor). I also want to promise them that when they do so I will again learn hard to be what I want.

I am a girl of 15 years of age. I would be much affectionate if someone award me a scholarship because as a science student, I mean to become a medical student. It needs a lot of support and I really know that I can study hard in the secondary cycle of education and again continue my ducation far. I will again make u proud. As a serious student, I know it will be possible for me to continue my education and I really believe that I can continue and finish marvelously in life only with your support. And again, I would be much greatful when you support me because I am cared by my grandfather and he is not working and I know when you support me I can really go far.  aggregate 17

Dorcas Acquah, Sponsor – Denise Juppe

It would be of a great opportunity if Anansi Scholarship offers me this scholarship to the senior high. I completed 2015 WAEC Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). I want Anansi to offer me this scholarship because of financial hardship. I know my parents can’t continue me to the Senior High School because of finance. My mom is not working and my dad is a taxi driver. Life becomes difficult to the extent that sometimes food becomes a problem. Due to this problem I can’t continue my second Level education and when this happens, my dreams would be shattered, and I can’t achieve my aims in future. I would be very glad if I have this scholarship, and I know I’m not going to let you down. I would make you proud for sponsoring me into senior high school and helping me to achieve my aim as an Immigration Officer. I want to become an Immigration Officer in future. This is why I want Anansi to award me this scholarship. I know you are much convinced with my reasons and therefore you would award me with the scholarship.  aggregate 12

Ransford Aboraborah , Sponsor – Eric and Susan Hirst

WHY ANANSI SHOULD AWARD ME A SCHOLARSHIP TO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

My parents are petty traders who already have two of my siblings in the senior high school. This has burdened them for some time now. Due to this, they have advised me to stay at least two years in the house before learning a trade. The disappointment from this situation has cramped my dream of becoming a professional journalist. The only hope I have now is Anansi Scholarship Scheme which can assist me to realize this dream. aggregate 13

At last count we had eighty-four applications for the eighteen scholarships Anansi has to offer at the beginning of the 2014-2015 academic year. Our selection criteria is based on three things:

1) Academic Performance: Applicants must qualify for admittance to a government high school. In Ghana, this qualification is based on an exam taken during a student’s third year of junior high school. From the West African Examination Council (WAEC): “Candidates are graded based on performance in the external examination (objective and written) and Continuous (Internal) Assessment marks provided by the schools. A nine-point scale is used in grading the candidates with Grade 1 denoting the highest performance and Grade 9 the lowest.” The results of this exam is used by senior high schools and technical institutions when admitting new students.

2) Need: To assess need we use a poverty score card verbal examination of ten questions, which was developed by a micro loan company specifically for Ghana. We make home visits.

3) Application Forms: We evaluate the information on their application form including their essays in which they are asked to tell us why they need a scholarship and what their plans are for their future.

This year, we placed twenty-four applicants in the “no” file based on their WAEC scores and their poverty scorecard results. That left home visits to help determine which of the remaining sixty-four applicants would become Anansi Students. This is a difficult and heart breaking job. We tend to give priority to students who graduated in the last year or the year before with a good aggregate (the better score) on their WAEC exams, since that means they have already been at home for one or two years wanting to continue their education but without money to pay the fees. We also give priority to girls to balance the cultural preference to invest in educating boys.

This year we invited applications from two remote villages where none of their junior high school graduates had ever continued to high school. Three of the students (one girl and two boys) had scored one point above the score needed for admittance to a government high school. After considering the impact on the community of these three young students going to high school, we’ve decided to try to facilitate admittance for these children to Edinaman High School. If Edinaman would accept the three almost-qualifying scores, we would fund all three of these students. The ripple effect of our Anansi dollars is bigger when there is no history of higher education in the families of the recipients. In this case it will be even bigger because there is no history of children going to high school in the whole village.

The photos in this post were taken during Mohammed and David’s first day of home visits in the village of Efutu, just a few miles up the road from our village of Mpeasem. You can see the difficulty of saying “no” to any child who lives under these conditions that has qualified for high school and desperately wants to go.

At the end of the student selection for the 2014-2015 academic year, we were only able to fund 24 students from over 100 applicants. If  you know anyone who might like to sponsor a student’s education for three years, please share with them.

This year Anansi faced a unique challenge – 8 of the girls who were awarded scholarships and were accepted to University Practice High School, were informed that there wasn’t enough space in the school hostel for them to stay. Most Anansi students live on the campus of their high schools, in student hostels, as they are from villages and don’t have daily transportation to and from school. Part of the scholarship money our sponsors donate goes to this cost. While private hostels in the area are available, their cost is prohibitive for these students.

Kathryn and Mohammed looked for alternate arrangements so that the girls wouldn’t lose this opportunity and, after much searching, were able to find a house with space for all 8 girls. They arranged for some furniture to be made by children who are learning this trade at a center for youth run by a German NGO, and purchased or found other necessary items for the house, including a refrigerator and cooking supplies. Kathryn also found a woman who was willing to live with the girls in return for a bedroom at the house. Her name is Regina Otoo and she works at the same high school that the girls attend, teaching some classes and doing some office duties for the Head Mistress. This way, the girls will have someone to help watch over them in the home.

For those interested in the monetary aspect of this venture, the approximate total spent on the house for this year was 9,680 cedis (7,200 for rent and 2,480 for furnishings). The cost for housing the girls in the school hostel for the year would have been 9,600 cedis for these students. So, we spent only 80 cedis (approximately $27) more than we normally would have. The only catch is that the school hostel provides dinner for the girls. To solve this problem, the parents agreed to help with food from their farms and 30 cedis per month for each girl to buy food. Kathryn will provide rice, and hopefully next year the money spent on furnishings can then be used for food.

The girls are thrilled with their new accommodations and most importantly with the opportunity to attend school. And to finish this story, we’d like to introduce the 8 young women who now make up the “Abura Anansi House”:

Beatrice Aidoo

I wish to be considered for sponsorship in your benevolent organization as a Anansi scholarship scheme.

I am a girl of 17 years of age and a native of Jukwa in the Central Region of Ghana and have successfully completed my basic education in the year 2013. I am the fourth born among the seven children. I have no father to take care of me. My dream of becoming a medical nurse is becoming something I cannot describe.

I therefore wish you will consider me in your scholarship scheme so that my future aspiration will come to be fruitful.

My dear, I most often spent my time indoor to avoid people asking me why I am in the house, because they know that I was offered Apam Senior Secondary School.

Please, this year too there is no hope for me so help me, help me. Thank you.

Felicia Asabea Ayensu

Reasons why I need Anansi’s help:

The reasons why I want Anansi to help me is that I want my dreams to be fulfilled but there is no one whom I can depend on because my father stop caring for me at the age of one year when he and my mum had a divorce. I was so young by then when this happened.

Since then my mother has been the one taking care of me and my twins sister and also my youngest sister. She has fight for me and my twin sister for us to finish the elementary school, but now she can’t afford to send us to the S.H.S. level because she is jobless and also taking care of the youngest one at school.

Moreover my dream is to become a business woman in future. Please I need your help because the above financial problems have been a hindrance and a burden unto me. To overthrow my burden and hindrance away unless you help me. So please, help me to become what or whom I want to be because I don’t want my dreams to be in vain   I want my dreams to be a professional one, not anyhow and want to fulfill it in future by your help.

Gloria Eva Mensah

My parents are illitrates who do not earn regular income except for my father who had been a cleaner for the past four years. My father also encountered an accident in the previous year. Due to the accident he encountered, he cannot do any hard work because it has affected his spine. What he earn through the cleaning is hardly enough to cater for the family for bearly two weeks.

This forced by J.H.S. teachers to pay all my bills and my registration fee until I completed J.H.S.

I will be very grateful if you could give a scholarship to the S.H.S. in order for me to make my future dreams come true. My future dream is to become a medical doctor so I can help others like myself.

Hassanatu Mustapha

The reason why I want Anansi to give me a scholarship is my father is a driver and my mother is a housewife, so they don’t have enough money to take me to Senior High School. And I want to become a useful citizen to my community. Also, I will learn hard when I am given the opportunity.

My dream is to become a nurse or news broadcaster. And the things I need is my payment of my school fees, boarding fees, my books, shoes and dresses.

Patience Akowuah

It is my dream to become a nurse in future. Unfortunately my mother passed away just as I was about to complete J.H.S. I put it behind me and learned hard to pass the BECE so that any opportunity that came my way I would be helped because even though the amenities are there but it will be difficult for them to support me. I am therefore appealing to you to help me and I will not disappoint you when given this scholarship to continue my education.

Patricia Otoo

The reason why I want a scholarship from Anansi is as follows:

Firstly, My mother is the only person who is taking care of me but due to some difficulties there is no money for her to further my education.

Secondly, I want to become a nurse so that I can take care of patients in my community and Ghana as a whole.

Thirdly, I have only one brother who could have help my mother to further my education. Unfortunately, thieves had broken into his shop and taken away all his belongings. Due to that there is not enough money in the home to help me further my education. That is why I want Anansi to further my education.

Philomena Asabea Ayensu

Reasons Why I Need Your Help

The reason why I want Anansi to award me a scholarship is to help to make my dreams a reality because there is no one who I can depend on to make my dreams come true. My mum whom I think can help me is jobless and as for my dad he divorced my mum a long time ago when I was a year old.

Since then my mum has been the one taking care of me and my twin sister till now. She has struggled and suffered a lot to see us through the elementary school but now she cannot afford to send me and my sister to S.H.S. level because my twin sister and I finished together.

Furthermore I want Anansi to grant me a help because the above problem has been a source of burden and hindrance to my progress so I want Anansi to help me so that I can overthrow the burden and hindrance away so to become who I want to be in future. So that my dream of becoming a journalist will not be in vain, help me to become who and whom I want to be in future with your help.

Ruth Arkoh

The reasons why I want Anansi to award me a scholarship to further my education are as followed.

Firstly, my mother died when I was very young, so my father is the only one taking care of me and my other three syblings. But he has fallen sick and does not have enough money to continue my education at the secondary level. Due to that he now wants me to learn a trade as a hairdresser.

Secondly, since my mother died everything in the house scattered. Because of that my father is now staying at a village trying to work hard to care for us, but my father is only but a peasant farmer.

The purpose t continue my education is to become a newsreader in future and these problems are not helping me to achieve my aim, so I need a help from Anansi.

The enumerated are the reasons why I want Anansi to award me a scholarship to the senior high school.