Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future, and at Ayeduase Roman Catholic Junior High School (JHS) in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, that future is starting to look a whole lot brighter. Thanks to the Ibok Oduro Foundation, a school once drowning in academic struggles is now riding a wave of hope and progress.
A School in Crisis
Ayeduase RC JHS has been a part of its community since 1951, offering education to children in a neighborhood shaped by petty trading and rapid urbanization. But life hasn’t been easy for these students. With over 80% not living with both parents and many under the care of guardians or relatives, a lack of parental involvement has left them struggling to keep up.
It’s not just about broken homes—resources like textbooks and exercise books are often scarce, and social distractions like betting and gaming have only made things worse. The result? Alarming BECE pass rates that hit rock bottom—just 7% in 2022 and an even grimmer 3% in 2023.
Hope Steps In: The Ibok Oduro Foundation
When the situation seemed hopeless, Ayeduase RC JHS launched early morning remedial classes, focusing on the basics: reading, writing, and numeracy. But without resources, the initiative struggled. Enter the Ibok Oduro Foundation, armed with books, science kits, and a mission to change lives.
The foundation didn’t just bring textbooks for English, Mathematics, and Science. They provided supplementary readers and science kits that transformed how students learn, especially in the sciences. And when BECE exam time rolled around, the foundation partnered with another organization to provide food, drinks, and writing materials, ensuring the students were nourished, focused, and ready to shine.
A Dramatic Comeback
And shine they did. The results of the 2024 BECE were nothing short of miraculous. From a 3% pass rate just a year earlier, Ayeduase RC JHS leapt to 46%. Out of 52 students who sat for the exam, 24 passed with aggregates between 6 and 30—a far cry from the school’s dismal past.
Beyond the numbers, the real transformation lies in the students’ newfound confidence and improved skills. Their reading and writing have seen dramatic improvements, and for the first time in years, the future feels full of possibilities.
Looking Forward
The story isn’t over yet. With 50 students gearing up for the 2025 BECE, the challenge now is to aim for even higher success—passes with aggregates under 10. The Ibok Oduro Foundation is standing firm, ready to continue their support and push for excellence.
Join the Mission
What’s happening at Ayeduase RC JHS isn’t just about one school—it’s about showing what’s possible when communities come together for education. The Ibok Oduro Foundation is proving that targeted support and collaboration can turn even the toughest situations around.
Want to be part of the change? Join the foundation’s efforts and help empower Ghana’s youth through education. Together, we can unlock brighter futures, one classroom at a time.
Let’s make a difference—because every child deserves a chance to succeed.