Education transforms lives, and at AfrikRising International School, we are deeply committed to providing quality learning opportunities for children in underserved communities. Since our establishment in September 2021 by Professor Christine Reidhead, we have strived to improve the lives of children in Adu-Kofi, Adeiso, and 28 surrounding rural communities. From humble beginnings, we are now a thriving institution, and we’re excited to share some incredible recent developments.
Major Developments at AfrikRising
The growth of AfrikRising International School has been remarkable, and we’re excited to announce three significant achievements that mark a new chapter in our journey:
- New School Bus Acquisition: One of our biggest challenges has been transportation. Thanks to the support of a generous donor, Robyn Alexander, we’ve purchased a school bus! This bus will provide safe and reliable transport for our students, allowing them to attend school regularly and more comfortably.
- Electricity Installation: After much anticipation, we have successfully installed electricity throughout the school. Thanks to the support of generous donors, Shane and Romalea Chatwin, Reese and Lachele Chatwin, Craig and Lexi Richins, and Boyd and Payton Chatwin. This is a significant improvement that will enhance both teaching and learning, allowing us to integrate modern educational tools and technology into the classroom.
- Completion of a 5-Classroom Building: Our expansion is also marked by the completion of a new 5-classroom building. Thanks to the support of generous donor, Robyn Alexander. This facility provides much-needed space to accommodate our growing student body and offers a better learning environment for all.
These milestones have strengthened our school and will enable us to offer more enriching experiences for our students as we continue to grow.
Graduation Day: A Celebration of Talent
One of the highlights of the year was our graduation event, which brought together students, teachers, and parents to celebrate the achievements of our school community. With a total of 221 parents and supporters in attendance, our 154 students took the stage to showcase their talents in a variety of performances.
- Dance Choreography: Our students wowed the audience with a lively and energetic choreography that showcased both teamwork and creativity.
- Drama (Stage Play): The drama club delivered an impressive stage play, showing off their acting skills and confidence in front of a packed audience.
- Modeling: Students demonstrated their confidence and poise as they walked the runway in a fun and engaging modeling segment.
- Poetry Recitals: Our young poets captivated the crowd with their heartfelt recitations, demonstrating their growing mastery of language.
- Singing Performances: The event ended on a high note with stirring singing performances that left everyone feeling uplifted and inspired.
Our student population, which ranges from KG to Grade 4, performed beautifully, and it was a proud moment for everyone involved. The growth of both our student body and their skills is a testament to the dedication of our 11 committed teachers.
Commitment to Language and Knowledge at AfrikRising
As students start at AfrikRising International School, many enter without English-speaking skills. However, by the conclusion of the first term, noticeable advancement is evident. Our preschoolers begin to utilize simple English words, while approximately 95% of students in higher grades demonstrate reading proficiency and good verbal expression in English.
Upper-class students excel in technology, showcasing their ability to type, edit, and design documents independently.
At AfrikRising International School, we provide a holistic education that includes not only English language instruction but also critical subjects like math and science. Students participate in practical lessons covering areas such as mixtures, plant biology, and the classification of living versus non-living things.
Our diverse curriculum includes Math, English, Science, History, Religion, Computing, Ghanaian Language, and Creative Arts.
Reflecting on Our Journey
AfrikRising International School began in 2021 with just 7 students and 1 teacher. Now in our 4th year, we’ve grown to 154 students and 11 passionate teachers. This remarkable progress wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of Professor Christine Reidhead and the unwavering support of our community.
Our school was founded with the goal of providing quality education to children from 28 rural communities who otherwise would not have access to such opportunities. As we continue to grow, we remain deeply committed to this mission and are constantly seeking ways to improve the educational experiences we offer.
Education: A Lasting Legacy
At AfrikRising International School, we believe that education is the greatest gift you can give a child. As Director Francis Adu Afari so wisely said, “Education is the best inheritance you can give to your children.” This belief drives everything we do, from building new classrooms to creating memorable experiences like our annual graduation.
We are proud of the positive impact we’ve made so far and are excited about the future. Our school’s recent developments are just the beginning of even greater things to come. Founder Christine Reidhead said, “We are dedicated to helping these children gain access to quality education, with the hope that learning will pave the way to a brighter tomorrow for them and their communities.”
The Road Ahead
With the addition of a new school bus, the installation of electricity, and the completion of a new building, we are well-positioned for future growth. Our next steps include expanding our enrollment, further enhancing our curriculum, and integrating technology into the learning process.
Our vision for AfrikRising International School is one of continued expansion, where each student has access to the best educational resources possible. With our recent infrastructure improvements, we’re already planning for the next phase of our development, aiming to provide even more opportunities for our students to succeed.
Conclusion
AfrikRising International School has come a long way since its founding, growing from just 7 students to a flourishing institution of 154 learners. Our recent accomplishments—purchasing a school bus, installing electricity, and completing a 5-classroom building—are monumental steps forward in our journey.
We are deeply grateful to our supporters and the entire AfrikRising community for making these milestones possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for the children of Adu-Kofi, Adeiso, and 28 surrounding rural communities. The future of AfrikRising International School is filled with promise, and we are excited for what lies ahead.
