Meeting with Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang: A Beacon of Hope for Ghana and Africa

On March 11, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang warmly welcomed a delegation from the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to her office. Led by Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy, the group included executive members from FAWE RS/WASRO based in Senegal and FAWE Ghana. They congratulated her on her recent election and shared their best wishes for her tenure.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang expressed her gratitude for FAWE’s unwavering support during her campaign, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in championing girls’ education across Africa. The delegation also discussed the Mastercard Foundation Phase II Bursary Support Programme and shared some of the challenges FAWE is currently facing.

As a former FAWE Africa Board Chairperson and longtime member, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang reaffirmed her commitment to working with FAWE to address these challenges and drive impactful policies that empower young women through education and leadership.

“Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang: A model and a hope for Ghana, for FAWE, and for all African girls and women. We rename you ‘Mama Africa,’ and your Africa will be a safe and fulfilling place for all, where you will say, ‘Welcome to all.’”

Monitoring 

As the days draw closer to the highly anticipated launch of the FAWE Ghana 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program, FAWE recently conducted a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mission in Ghana. The delegation, composed of program, finance, and knowledge management teams, worked closely with FAWE Ghana to ensure the successful implementation of ongoing initiatives and to prepare for the upcoming launches scheduled for April 17, 2024.

The mission was marked by parallel sessions with the program and finance teams, followed by a detailed debrief with the entire FAWE Ghana team. The discussions and evaluations were centered on addressing challenges, refining strategies, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals. Below are the key highlights and outcomes of the mission:

Review of Year 1 Roadmap and Strategic Adjustments
The delegation reviewed the Year 1 roadmap of the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II program and noted some delays in implementation. To address this, a revised roadmap was developed, incorporating carry-forward activities from Year 1 and outlining urgent actions for Year 2 based on the approved work plan. This recalibration ensures that the program remains on track to achieve its objectives while maintaining flexibility to adapt to unforeseen challenges.

Analysis of Participant Selection
The mission also focused on the selection process for program participants. The national committee had selected 223 participants, exceeding the initial target of 200. While this demonstrates the high demand for the program, it also raised questions about resource allocation and coverage for the additional 23 participants. Strategies were proposed and discussed to address this issue, including:
– Ensuring the official public announcement of the final recruited participants for the first cohort is made without further delays.
– Exploring solutions to cover the costs for the additional participants.
– Planning for the second recruitment round to begin early this year, with improved processes to avoid duplication and ensure inclusivity.

To enhance the recruitment process, the team agreed to:
– Include clear definitions of specific concepts in the call for applications.
– Raise awareness at regional and national levels to reach marginalized groups, including refugees.
– Collaborate early with organizations that work directly with refugees to ensure their inclusion in the next recruitment round.

Preparation for the Upcoming Launches
The delegation assessed the preparations for the April 17 launch of the FAWE Ghana 2024-2028 Strategic Plan and the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program. While progress has been made, the team noted that the pace of preparation has been slower than anticipated. To address this, daily follow-ups have been scheduled to ensure all tasks are completed on time. The team remains committed to delivering a successful and impactful launch that will set the tone for the next phase of FAWE’s work in Ghana.

Strengthening Partnerships Through Institutional Visits
The mission also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders. The delegation suggested scheduling institutional visits to follow up on the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Ministry of Education. Additionally, they proposed exploring the possibility of signing similar MOUs with other relevant ministries, such as Gender, Labour, Youth and Development, and Industry. These partnerships will enhance collaboration and ensure a holistic approach to advancing girls’ education and empowerment in Ghana.

A Collaborative Path Forward
The monitoring and evaluation mission underscored the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and strategic planning in achieving FAWE’s mission. By addressing challenges head-on and proposing innovative solutions, the FAWE RS/West and Central Africa team demonstrated its commitment to supporting FAWE Ghana in delivering impactful programs that transform the lives of girls and women.

As the April 17 launch approaches, FAWE Ghana and the regional team are working tirelessly to ensure that every detail is in place. This launch marks a significant milestone in FAWE’s journey to empower girls through education and create a more equitable future for all.

Field Visit to Takoradi Technical University

The next day, the delegation conducted a field visit to Takoradi Technical University. The objectives of the visit were:
* To conduct a courtesy visit and discuss the program, partnership, and responsibilities toward participants.
* To discuss FAWE’s and the Mastercard Foundation’s safeguarding policies.
* To visit accommodations and assess their inclusivity for girls and people with reduced mobility.

It was noted that the university’s structures, including classrooms, accommodations, and clinics, meet the inclusive needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs) with ramps, elevators, and interpreters to support deaf students. The university also has a gender department and a disability department that work to ensure students’ comfort. Additionally, the institution has two partners for financing entrepreneurship after studies.

While safeguarding policies are in place and staff have been trained, there is a need for improved communication on anonymous complaint procedures. Of the 25 participants allocated to the university, 23 have already been welcomed, and follow-up will be done for the remaining two by FAWE Ghana and its partners.

Working Session with FAWE Ghana
In the afternoon, the delegation held a working session with FAWE Ghana to discuss:
* Preparations for the launch, including the distribution of invitation letters (50% complete), communication strategies, and transportation logistics for participants.