Introduction
AfrikRising International School in Adu-Kofi, Adeiso has reached significant milestones, transforming lives and improving the future of countless children in rural communities. From its humble beginnings in 2021, the school has flourished into a beacon of hope, education, and opportunity. Today, we celebrate remarkable achievements that signal a bright future for our students, staff, and the community at large.
AfrikRising International School was founded in September 2021 by Professor Christine Reidhead with a singular mission: to provide quality education to the underprivileged children across 28 rural communities. With just 7 students and 1 teacher at its inception, the school has grown into a vibrant learning hub. Now in its fourth year, the school proudly serves 154 students and employs 11 passionate teachers, continuing its mission to make a difference in the lives of young learners. As we reflect on recent accomplishments, it’s evident that AfrikRising International School is on a path of continuous improvement, thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors and community.
Major Milestones
One of the most exciting updates is the acquisition of a school bus, which now enables our students to travel to and from school safely and conveniently. Thanks to the support of generous donor, Robyn Alexander. This bus is a game-changer for many families in rural areas, ensuring that more children can consistently attend school without transportation challenges.
In addition, electricity has been installed at the school. This critical infrastructure upgrade enhances the overall learning experience by enabling the use of modern teaching tools, lighting, and creating a more comfortable environment for both students and teachers. Thanks to the support of generous donors, Shane and Romalea Chatwin, Reese and Lachele Chatwin, Craig and Lexi Richins, and Boyd and Payton Chatwin.
We are also proud to announce the completion of a brand-new 5-classroom building. Thanks to the support of generous donor, Robyn Alexander. This development not only accommodates our growing student population but also provides a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The expansion of facilities signifies our commitment to delivering quality education to even more children in the coming years.
None of these milestones would have been possible without the generous support of our incredible sponsors. Their contributions have been instrumental in transforming our vision into reality, and we are deeply grateful for their kindness and belief in our mission.
Graduation Highlights
Our recent graduation ceremony was a joyous occasion, showcasing the talents and growth of our students. With a student population of 154, supported by 11 dedicated teachers, the event was a celebration of achievement and community.
The ceremony was attended by an audience of 221 proud parents and community members. Our students, ranging from kindergarten to Grade 4, delighted the crowd with various performances, including:
- Choreography Dance – A beautiful display of rhythm and coordination, the dance showcased the students’ creativity and teamwork.
- Drama (Stage Play) – The drama performance captivated the audience, with students taking on various roles and delivering powerful messages through their acting.
- Modeling – Students confidently strutted the stage, demonstrating their poise and self-assurance in a fun modeling showcase.
- Poetry Recitals – The poetry recitals were a highlight of the event, with students delivering eloquent and heartfelt verses that touched the hearts of the audience.
- Singing – The melodious singing performances by our talented students brought the ceremony to a harmonious close.
The pride and joy on the faces of the students and their parents were clear, reinforcing the importance of education in shaping the future of these young minds.
A Holistic Approach to Education
At the beginning of their academic journey, many children at AfrikRising International School lack proficiency in English. However, noticeable improvements are seen within the first term. Preschoolers start to use essential English vocabulary, while by the end of the term, roughly 95% of higher-grade students are able to read and communicate effectively in English.
Many upper-class students excel in computer literacy, demonstrating skills in typing, editing, and document creation. AfrikRising International School emphasizes not only English proficiency but education in various other subjects, including math and science. Students engage in hands-on science lessons that explore topics such as mixtures, plant biology, and the differences between living and non-living things.
Our curriculum is comprehensive, covering Math, English, Science, History, Religion, Computing, Ghanaian Language, and Creative Arts.
A Message from Our Founder and Director
AfrikRising International School’s founder, Professor Christine Reidhead, continues to lead with passion and dedication. The school’s mission to uplift children from underserved communities through education is at the heart of everything we do. Reidhead says, “AfrikRising Exists to provide children with the tools and education they need to grow, thrive, and envision a future where they can create lasting positive change in their lives and beyond.”
A fitting quote from Director Francis Adu Afari, “Education is the best inheritance you can give to your children,” captures the essence of AfrikRising International School’s work. By empowering children with knowledge, we are providing them with the tools they need to shape their own futures and break the cycle of poverty.
Looking Ahead
As AfrikRising International School continues to grow, we are filled with optimism for what lies ahead. We are committed to further expanding our facilities and resources to provide even better educational experiences for our students. Our focus remains on nurturing each child’s potential, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education.
Our supporters, community members, and staff have played a vital role in our success thus far, and together, we are confident that we will achieve even greater things in the future. With continued investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and student resources, AfrikRising International School is poised to become a leading educational institution in the region.
Conclusion
AfrikRising International School’s journey from a small school with just 7 students to a thriving institution with 154 students and 11 teachers is nothing short of inspiring. The recent milestones—the acquisition of a bus, installation of electricity, and completion of a new 5-classroom building—mark significant steps in our mission to provide quality education to underprivileged children.
As we celebrate our students’ achievements and look forward to the future, we remain dedicated to transforming lives through education. With the continued support of our sponsors, community, and dedicated staff, AfrikRising International School is well on its way to becoming a beacon of hope and opportunity for many more children in the years to come.
