Reigniting
THE PROMISE OF LEARNING
WORDS: B.TOLIVER / VISUALS: A.COMPTON
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FINCA INTERNATIONAL
In the heart of Accra, a new generation of schools is emerging, attempting to rekindle the promise of post-independence Ghana—where education was once seen as the path to opportunity for all.
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In classrooms where resources are scarce and teachers stretched thin, these private schools are fighting to provide quality education to those who need it most, offering small class sizes and tailored lessons as a lifeline to a brighter future.
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Is this the complex rebirth of Ghana’s educational dream?
ABOVE: RISING ACADEMY STUDENTS BEING TAUGHT MEDIA STUDIES. GBAWE, GHANA.
ABOVE: OKIKI, WHO HAS A PROSTHETIC LEG, HAS HER SHOELACES TIED BY HER FATHER.
For many parents in Accra, the quest for a quality education is an uphill battle, one fraught with tough choices. Most face the stark reality of choosing between paying school fees and meeting their family’s daily needs, with no easy answers.​
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But these sacrifices are made with hope. Hope that a better education will lead to a better future. It’s a gamble, one that asks parents to bet everything on the promise that their children will thrive where the public system has faltered.
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And for some, the gamble is paying off.
ABOVE: BAKARI, A RISING ACADEMY STUDENT. KOKOROBITE, GHANA.
Rising Academies, a network of affordable private schools, is a social enterprise addressing the failures of public schools in low-income neighborhoods. These schools aim to provide quality education for families who can’t afford traditional private institutions but seek more than the struggling government system can offer. While fees remain a stretch for many, Rising Academies navigates the balance between access and sustainability. For families like Adjoa’s, the decision is fraught with compromise.
“As a single mother, there are days I can’t afford to send my children,” she explains. “But even part-time at a good school is better than full-time where they were beaten and learned nothing.”
Her words capture the harsh reality many parents face: investing in education, even sporadically, feels like the only way to secure a future free from the failures of the public system.
ABOVE: MARGARET USES 'RORI' AN AI POWERED EDUCATIONAL APP TO HELP WITH HER MATHS.
In classrooms where resources are scarce, digital technology is helping to bridge the gap. Tools like RORI, an AI-powered assistant, are being introduced to enhance teaching and learning. These platforms provide personalized lesson plans, track student progress, and offer real-time feedback, enabling teachers to focus more on individual needs. For students, interactive tools make learning more engaging and accessible, even in low-tech environments. While challenges remain—such as reliable electricity and internet access—the integration of such technologies is reshaping how education is delivered, creating opportunities for students who might otherwise be left behind.
The challenge of providing quality education in Accra's low-income neighborhoods is daunting, but the impact of initiatives like Rising Academies and digital technology is undeniable. These schools and tools are not only making education more accessible but are offering a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. However, as these alternative models of education grow, the question remains: can they truly scale to meet the needs of all Ghanaian children, or will they remain an opportunity reserved for the few who can afford it?
ABOVE: ESTHER & HER SISTERS
The answer lies in a complex web of partnerships, government support, and innovation. The government must do more to invest in public education, especially in the most underserved areas. While private schools and digital tools provide valuable support, they cannot fill the void left by systemic issues in public education. The path forward lies in a more inclusive approach—where social enterprises, educational technology, and government policy work in tandem to create an ecosystem that ensures no child is left behind.
As Esther, a 12-year-old student, puts it, “I want to be a doctor one day. I study hard because I know my mom sacrifices so much for me to be here.” Her quiet determination reflects the aspirations of countless children striving for a better future, even against overwhelming odds.
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For Ghana’s educational dream to be truly realized, the promise must extend to every child, in every corner of the country. The stakes are no less than the future itself—not just for the students like Esther, but for a nation striving to honor its belief in education as the great equalizer.
