The African Renaissance Movement, an Ashesi student organization, has organized a program to improve the academic performance of students at two public primary schools in Labone, near the Ashesi campus. Groups of Ashesi students volunteer to help in school courses on a weekly basis, participating in one of three program areas: ICT education, personal financial management or academic mentorship.
The information communication technology (ICT) program provides interested pupils between class six and Junior High School basic computer programming lessons. Pupils learn to use computers, become familiar with standard productivity software and even gain some basic programming skills. The program builds the confidence of students, introduces them to the world of technology and reinforces principles of mathematics taught in their basic curriculum.
The personal financial management scheme works with pupils to encourage them to save between GH0.05 – GH0.20 a day throughout the entire year. Volunteers help pupils to learn about banking and even assist them in opening an account at a bank of their choice. This initiative is intended to inculcate into the pupils the discipline of saving and investing at a very young age. The money saved can be accessed by each pupil at any time but they are encouraged to save to invest in their futures.
The academic mentorship program is geared to empower the primary school students to think for themselves, rely on themselves and believe in themselves. The program hopes to empower and motivate these pupils with the passion and character to have a positive impact on their society. The mentorship program serves as the medium through which pupils are introduced to the concepts of entrepreneurship and sound responsible leadership. Ashesi students serve as mentors for individual students, assisting them with academic work, advising them on challenges they face and encouraging them to do well in school.
To date over 60 Ashesi students have volunteered for the program. Administrators and teachers at the participating primary schools are thrilled about the impact Ashesi students are having in their classrooms. Priscilla Acheampong, a teacher at Rangoon Primary School stated,”The Ashesi students have really made a difference in my class. The students are so excited when they come and they really encourage them to improve and do their best.”
The vision for the African Renaissance Movement is “A transformed Africa through entrepreneurship and sound leadership.” Visit the ARM website (www.armmovement.org) to learn more about their volunteer programs. Click here to watch a short video developed by the students documenting their experiences at Rangoon school.
