Already 105 kids have graduated and are taking the next step. They stay connected with the foundation and we see them every year during our annual meeting
High quality, secondary education scholarships are offered to applicants to attend leading boarding schools throughout the country. At SmartKids Foundation, we believe education is the key to generational change and brighter future for indigenous Ghanaians and for our nation as a whole. This vision for the generational change will be achieved when the next generational has greater educational, social and political opportunities than the ones before. It will be achieved when children have better health, financial and career outcomes than their parents. Generational change will be achieved when each successive generational is closer to achieving equality with greater self-perception than the last.
Most of all generational change will be achieved when all Ghanaians have a better perspective and understanding of others and each person has the freedom to explore their potential encumbered by the prejudices of the past. With the support of generous and like-minded individuals, companies and organisations together, we are enacting positive change.
As we end the 2023 academic year, l would like to take this opportunity to thank the Netherlands Board management for their numerous supports for running the activities of the foundation in Ghana. l also thank the Junior Board for their immense support, I thank the potential organisations donors, individual donors and the well wishes of all supporters.
In 2023, SmartKids Foundation experienced a year of significant progress as the school, the community, the board and students worked together in striving meet the needs of our SmartKids at the various Secondary schools.
We are aware of our challenges and opportunities for further development. We are committed to making a difference. The year is considered as the most tasking and tiring year. This is because a lot of things were needed to be prepared and accomplished for the smooth and success opening of the academic year since everything is changed from the old to new round educational set up due to the effect of Covid-19. I involved myself in acquiring school materials for students into the first term in the secondary school.
We started the school year with enrolment of 6 students into the various first class secondary schools. With immense pleasure, l would like to place on record that our 2019 year group currently at SHS 2 are academically good and 2 out of the 6 SmartKids are part of their schools Quiz competition team.
There’s a great saying ‘’ Real education fetches you more than a job. It teaches you to live. It cannot be measured in any tangible way’’.
1. That we hire an expect in proposal writing to aid us send to cooperate Organisations in Ghana and elsewhere to seek for financial sponsorship to support future selection of Kids.
2. That the Junior Board (JB) and older SmartKids in their own strategic ways and commitment start giving their 1% or more contribution towards the financial status of the foundation. Again they should also seek for prominent personalities and philanthropist in their various localities to share the stories of SmartKids and look for assistance.
3. As National coordinator, a contact has been made with a powerful politician and industrious man who is willing to be part of the Foundation activities and seek ways to support us.
4. Tasks have been given to SmartKids overseas who are into further studies to promote the success stories of SmartKids with their friends and institutions overseas to help raise funds for the Foundation. And the SmartKids overseas are to also support the foundation when they start making income after their studies.
5. Various roles have been given to older SmartKids for the successful running of activities.
6. The great measurable achievement chalked in 2023 is the Senior SmartKids in Overseas (Germany) supporting 2 SmartKids education in the tertiary education.
1. We were not able to organise annual meeting 2023 due to economic crisis in Ghana. It is very expensive to organise this meeting and it will even be more in that economic crises season. Fuel charges were increased making transportation fares and prices of goods and services high. Since generated funds are meant for tuition and other educational purposes, the Ghana board decided that funds for that season must be used in catering for the educational needs of the children. Also, most of the smart kids were selected from regions far away from the place where this event is organised and it has to take extra cost within this season for them to attend such event.
2. There was no selection of new smart kids because we received no sponsorship.
Senior High: Opoku Ware
Tertiary: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Program: BSc. Computer Science
Growing up as a kid, life had not been easy. We consist of a family of eight (8). My father was a taxi driver and mother had no work to do at that time. We lived from hand to mouth. Our life was nothing to write home about. Things were difficult for us because one person had to cater for the whole family. I was going through financial struggles, family issues and personal setbacks which cast shadow over my path, making the pursuit of success feel like an uphill battle. Though I graduated as the best student from Junior High, all hope of achieving my dream of becoming a doctor was gradually fading away, because of heavy financial losses my family was facing.
I made up my mind to climb the academic ladder no matter what it takes. I started soliciting for funds from teachers and those who could help. It was upon this initiative and contemplation that Smart kids Foundation came into the scene. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Smart kids Foundation Board, both Netherlands and Ghana. It is by their tireless effort and support that has made us reached where we are now today. It was by their support and care that I was able to pass through Senior high school now receiving sponsorship again for my tertiary level. Now my dream of becoming a software engineer is sustained. A big thank you to the management of this great commission. God richly bless you.
Senior High: Opoku Ware
Tertiary: College of Health, Kintampo
Program: BSC. Physian Assistantship
I joined this esteemed foundation in the year 2016 (batch) and I am privileged to be blessed with extraordinary opportunity of a scholarship from this esteemed Organization. Being a beneficiary has been a pivotal moment that has transformed my academic trajectory and ignited a fire within my soul. Beyond its tangible benefits, the scholarship has instilled within me a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility. With the financial burden eased, my academic performance is soared higher and I am consistently ranked at the top of my class, earning the respect of my teachers and peers alike.
I am now pursuing Physician Assistantship, Medical programme in College of Health and Well-Being, Kintampo in Ghana due to the kindness and support the foundation has continuously been showing me. I’m grateful to God and the Foundation. I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the transformative power of the Smart kids Foundation scholarship. It is more than just a financial aid; it is an investment in my potential, a catalyst for my success, and a testament to the belief that with the right opportunities, every student can reach their full potential. Thank you.
Senior High: Yaa Asantewaa
Tertiary: University of Media, Arts and Communication, Ghana
Program: BA Communication Studies
As the second child of four siblings, life was really tough for my family because my mother had lost her shop to fire-outbreak. Though I had gained admission to one of the first class senior high schools in Ghana, I could not express my joy. There was no hope that my mother could afford to pay the admission and school fees. Someone recommended me to this Foundation. After going through an examination and an interviewed, The foundation offered me a fully funded scholarship for my senior high school.
I am now a student at University of Media, Arts and Communications, Ghana where I am currently a final year student studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication studies with Journalism as my major. Thanks to the Smart Kids Foundation for giving me hope of relieving my dream again.
Senior High: Prempeh College
Tertiary: University of Cape Coast
Program: Human Biology (Medicine)
I’m Philip Yankyera Junior, 23 years and a beneficiary of Smart Kids foundation programme. I am currently studying at the University of Cape Coast, where I’m pursuing my dream of becoming a medical professional.
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Senior High: Yaa Asantewaa
Tertiary: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Program: Dentistry
My name is Nana Akua Aboraa-Sika. I was introduced to this Smart Kids Foundation after graduating Junior High School with excellent grades. I was interviewed and fortunately granted a full scholarship which took me throughout my high school days. I entered senior High school at thirteen years old.
Senior High: Kumasi Academy
Program: General Science
Growing up as a little kid, I have this dream of one day becoming a Doctor. However, at Junior High School, I realized this dream will not be fruitful. This is because, I hardly even eat. I was facing heavy financial challenges. I had to borrow books from friends to learn and also have to beg sometimes to get some money from them to feed myself. At a tender age, I have to engage in Road Hawking businesses during the weekends to support me financially. I have 6 siblings. None of my siblings was able to continue their education because of the financial difficulties. I have a twin brother who now works on excavators. One day, I was in school, and someone by name Smith, came to my school and selected me as a candidate with others to be examined for a scholarship. It was there I encountered SmartKids Foundation. Fortunately for me, I was selected and now, I am receiving sponsorship for my education.
My dream of becoming a Doctor is now alive. Thanks to God and the SmartKids Foundation for coming into my life. I am really grateful to them, and I hope not to disappoint them. God truly bless this Foundation to touch more lives in Ghana and beyond.
Senior High: St. Louis
Program: General Science
I am very happy for what the SmartKids Foundation is doing my life. I am now free to learn since I have books and my fees are now paid always. Formally it was not so. I have to stay home for some days for my parents to raise some money to help me go to school.
Senior High: St. Louis
Program: General Arts
Thanks to the SmartKids Foundation. A very big thanks to the SmartKids Foundation who changed my educational background. I am no more a burden to my parents and my other siblings can also attend school. We thank all our sponsors for their donations.
Profession: Nurse
Life was not easy for me as a last born to the second wife of my father. I walked daily barefooted about 3km distance to the nearby town in the Upper West region to access formal education.
I never had the pleasure to wear school uniform because my old parents could not afford to buy uniforms for me. In September, a group of people from SmartKids Foundation came to our region for selection of brilliant but needy students. By the grace of God, I was selected and I received full sponsorship for my high school studies. In September 2015, I got enrolled again into a nursing training school to pursue a diploma in nursing program. Currently I am now registered Senior Staff Nurse at Sawla district Hospital.
All I can say to SMARTKIDS FOUNDATION is that, I am very grateful and highly indebted to the Foundation for making my life a beautiful one. Thank you.
Senior High: Anglican Senior High, Kumasi
Program: General Science
Senior High: Prempeh College
Program: General Arts
I am Wilberforce Osei Tutu from Ghana. I am 14 years of age and currently in the senior high school at Prempeh College. I have five other siblings and my parents are into petty trading. I have been the only kid in my family who has this opportunity of pursuing high school studies. I am very grateful to Smart Kids Foundation for making this possible.
Senior High: Prempeh College
Program: General Science
My name is Theophilus Frimpong. I was born on 19 February, 2007. Smart Kid Foundation sponsored my junior high school education at Joy Standard School, Kumasi Ghana. I graduated with very good grades in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E).
“If you ask me, everything is possible. If you go for it!”
Kees Hoogendijk