Community members in the East Mamprusi and Talensi districts say they are better equipped to demand improvements in schools after taking part in the CLEAR Project, an education accountability initiative supported by School for Life.

During recent Learning and Listening Visits, School for Life Executive Director, Hajia Wedad Sayibu met community members, local leaders, district officials and school governance bodies to assess how communities are using advocacy and local oversight to improve education.

“We are now stronger because we know what to do,” was a common message from participants during the visits.

In Kolinvai, in the East Mamprusi District, PTA Chairman, Dakurugu Guma said capacity-building sessions under the project had strengthened school leadership and accountability.

“The CLEAR Project has strengthened our effectiveness through various capacity-building trainings,” he said. “As a result, our primary and JHS schools now have separate PTAs, promoting stronger school governance and accountability.”

In Duusi, in the Talensi District, Mathew Naberi, a School Management Committee member at St Peter and Paul Junior High School, said residents were now more confident in engaging authorities over problems affecting their schools.

“We now understand the standards required for quality education and our role in demanding change,” he said. “When we identify challenges in our schools, we engage local authorities and follow up until action is taken.”

The Talensi District Chief Executive said increased advocacy by citizen groups was also shaping local planning and budgeting decisions, including interventions in school furniture, feeding, classrooms and teacher accommodation.

“The citizen groups are putting us on our toes,” the DCE said. “We have received numerous petitions and requests from them, covering issues such as furniture, school feeding, classrooms, and teacher accommodation.”

School for Life reaffirmed the importance of giving communities the knowledge and confidence to participate in education decision-making, identify challenges and push for solutions that improve learning outcomes.

The CLEAR Project is being implemented by School for Life in partnership with the Ghana Developing Communities Association and YEFL-Ghana, with funding from the Global Partnership for Education through the Education Out Loud Programme.

By Blessed EDUAMOAH DADZIE