A Beacon of Hope in Awaso
Together, we can create a brighter future for the children of Awaso
Building a Brighter Future: The Awaso Hope Foundation
The Awaso Hope Foundation is the driving force behind Awaso Academy’s success. We work tirelessly to empower students and teachers, transforming lives through education.
Here’s how we make a difference:
- Empowering Students: We provide a supportive learning environment with resources needed for academic excellence. This includes facilitating a sponsorship program that allows individuals to directly impact a child's education.
- Supporting Teachers: We are dedicated to attracting and retaining qualified educators by fostering a positive and rewarding work environment.
- Investing in the Future: We lead the way in securing funding for new and ongoing projects and facilities needs, ensuring Awaso Academy has the resources it needs to thrive.
Ghana
Ghana is a democratic country that is politically stable with an elected President and Parliament. Ghana was a British Colony until 1957.
Ghana is:
- Primarily English speaking
- Predominantly Christian (70%), Muslim (15%) and other tribal religions (15%)
- Cocoa is main agricultural export
Awaso
Awaso is a rural village in the southwestern region of Ghana with a total population of 6,000 people. It is 500 miles from the capital city, Accra.
Awaso is:
- Awaso has little running water
- Only 1/4 of Awaso has electricity
- The average worker earns $1-2 a day
Education Options in Awaso
Most children in Awaso attend local village schools through 8th grade. Over 90% do not continue on to high school because they lack adequate academic preparation to pass the required entrance exam for high school. Given this likely outcome, most students drop out of school before high school.
The schools in Awaso today suffer from:
- Lack of infrastructure, including no running water.
- Inability to attract and retain credentialed teachers, who prefer to teach in larger cities.
- Lack of curricular support and government funding
- Overcrowding – 4-5 children per desk
Dreams of Faith and Hope: A Legacy of Education
Father Paul Mensah, a man of immense love, hope, and joy, was born on January 15, 1961, in Awaso, Ghana. The youngest of seven, he defied the odds, becoming the only one to attend college, earning a B.A. in Philosophy. His pursuit of knowledge continued with three Master’s degrees – Divinity, Spirituality, and Educational Administration (the latter two from Santa Clara University). Father Paul’s ministry spanned Nova Scotia, Alberta, San Jose, and Morgan Hill.
Returning to Awaso, Father Paul witnessed the immense need for quality education. Over 90% of children lacked access to high school due to poverty, hindering their potential. Driven by compassion, he embarked on a mission to break this cycle.
Father Paul's Vision: Empowering Awaso's Children
His vision was an academy offering a modern, empowering education, preparing children to thrive in the global community. With unwavering support from the Awaso Hope Foundation and Awaso Canadian Academy Foundation (ACAF), construction began in 2007. In 2010, the dream became reality as Awaso Academy opened its doors to three grades (Kindergarten and 2 pre-school classes). Father Paul, who resided in Awaso until his passing on August 2nd, 2021, served as the school’s dedicated Executive Director.
A Legacy of Hope Lives On
Though deeply saddened by Father Paul’s passing, we find solace in his enduring legacy. The Awaso Hope Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to his vision, ensuring Awaso Academy continues to empower Awaso’s children.