Our Model & Story
A Thriving Centre for Sustainable Futures. Ten years of building a school and community partnerships that provide education and inspiration. Ten more years to build a strong network of pathway opportunities and on-site vocational training programmes.
90%
“When I came here I got 7% in maths. Now I get 80 or 90% because of the teachers.”
Alma Mater Education opened its first school in Wioso, Ashanti Region, Ghana in September 2015. The location was chosen strategically with local partners because approximately 90% of children in the area don't receive education beyond primary school, and no other senior schools exist within 20 miles.
The school initially charged around $100 per term to half of its students, while offering bursaries to the rest. By the third year, fee-paying enrolment had declined significantly, prompting us to become fully free in late 2018.
Over ten years, the school has expanded to include nine classrooms, a library, offices, sanitation facilities, a kitchen with dining area, and separate boarding houses for boys and girls. The school now has capacity for up to 600 students, with 500 currently enrolled.
98.4%
WASSCE pass rate, first in the district and top 5% nationally, achieved despite admitting students based on need, not academic capability.
We're currently raising funds for a second story on classroom blocks, sports facilities, solar panel upgrades, and new boreholes for the farm to achieve energy self-sufficiency. Reduced UK aid funding and worldwide economic factors have made this harder, with a disproportionate impact on women and girls' access to education.
80%
80% of graduates demonstrate positive post-school outcomes through tertiary study, direct employment, or technical training
How change happens
Our theory of change
If young people in rural Ghana are given access to high-quality education, a structured environment, practical skills and clear pathways, then they develop the knowledge, confidence and capability to succeed, leading to improved livelihoods, stronger communities and long-term development.
Educating today, empowering tomorrow, building sustainable futures.
1. Inputs: we invest in the conditions for learning and growth
- Teaching staff and expertise
- Boarding, nutrition and pastoral care
- Learning resources and facilities
- School farm and practical learning spaces
- Partnerships with GES, NGOs, employers and communities
2. Activities: we do the things that make a real difference
- Quality teaching and exam preparation
- Extended teaching and revision time
- Farm-based and practical skills learning
- Mentoring, guidance and pastoral care
- Clubs, leadership and enrichment activities
- Pathways guidance and employability support
3. Outputs: this leads to positive results for our students
- High attendance and retention
- Strong academic performance
- Active participation in practical and extracurricular programmes
- Improved life skills, confidence and resilience
- Increased access to further education and training
4. Outcomes: students are empowered to build better futures
- Students progress to university, vocational training or employment
- Improved knowledge, skills and employability
- Greater independence, aspiration and leadership
- Increased contribution to families and communities
5. Impact: stronger communities, sustainable futures
- More skilled and employable young people
- Stronger local economies and food security
- Healthier, more resilient communities
- A generation contributing to Ghana’s sustainable development
Our approach
Integrated and sustainable
Our work runs through six connected areas: sustainable learning, sustainable agriculture, sustainable energy and infrastructure, sustainable community, sustainable wellbeing, and sustainable futures.
What Your Support Provides
£35 (GHS 542 · €41) / month
Student sponsorship
£260 (GHS 4,025 · €306) / year
Full school attendance with three daily meals
£500 (GHS 7,740 · €588) / year
Pays for a year's worth of vocational training sessions with local artisans
£800 (GHS 12,384 · €940)
Running spikes for the girls and boys footbal teams
£1,000 (GHS 15,480 · €1,175)
Sponsorship and laptop for alumni going into midwifery training
£5,000 (GHS 77,400 · €5,875)
Salary for a full time day and night nurse
Please Make a Difference Today
UK Registered Charity Number: 1159983. Delivered in partnership with Ghana Education Service.