Sanzule and Krisan are two fishing communities that have one school named Sanzule-Krisan D/A Basic School, a preparatory school, and Technical and Vocational Training Institute. The closest library to these communities is about twenty kilometers away, which makes it extremely difficult for any of the students to access — consequently, many learners from these schools, despite knowing about libraries, had not seen or been to any. 

In 2019, two young and vibrant Alumni teachers from Lead for Ghana, Bashiru Yahaya and Hikma Suleyman came to the school. Within their first few days, they noticed that there were lapses in the reading capabilities of most of the learners. Therefore, they started a reading club with ten of the students with extreme reading difficulties with some reading materials available at the school. When they saw improvement in the students, they then communicated it to the headteacher and staff members who also observed the improvement in those learners. They all agreed to extend the intervention to other learners who had reading difficulties. 

They collectively agreed to establish a small library under an acacia tree as that was the only space available at that time. The library was made up of raffia sticks and was only opened during school hours. The books for the library were moved from the headteacher’s office and sent back to the office after school. With how hectic this process was, they kept exploring the idea of creating a permanent reading space, as well as a dedicated area for their mathematics and science activities. They concluded that the best way forward was to seek support from the parents of the students and local corporate entities to help realize this vision.

In no time, the headteacher convened a meeting with the PTA and SMC executives to discuss this idea. To illustrate the potential benefits, the headteacher highlighted the significant progress made by a few students due to access to the temporary library. The executives, who had observed the ongoing activities but were unsure how to contribute, were inspired by this example and wholeheartedly embraced the initiative. The teachers then used a PTA meeting as a platform to explain to the enthusiastic parents the significance of the reading activities and literacy games in which the students were participating. These activities were designed to enhance the learners’ vocabulary and overall educational development. During the discussion, Mr. Bashiru Yahaya shared information about EduSpots, in particular its mission of collaborating with local communities to create educational spaces where students can read, play, and engage in their mathematics and science activities. They put together a team and sent an application to join the Eduspots Network, and were selected after an interview process.

In 2020, a team comprising three teachers and a parent attended the EduSpots National Conference in Techiman. There, they connected with inspiring change-makers from across Ghana, leaving the conference deeply motivated to drive change within their own community. With support of a grant from EduSpots alongside donations from the district assembly and the local people, the team transformed an abandoned library building into a vibrant educational hub with adequate furniture to host 30 learners. They continued to appeal for additional books and resources from the community and corporate organisations, and their efforts were met with generous support. These contributions have significantly enriched the library, ensuring it is well-stocked and fully equipped to serve the educational needs of the learners.

Equipped with resources kits, they decided to set up an EcoSTEM club led by Bashiru to expose learners to needed knowledge relating to science, technology engineering and mathematics. The team created a roster to open the Spot immediately after school hours from 3:00 pm to 4:00pm. The learners decided to write motivational speeches on the walls to motivate users of the school Spot to achieve more, and the EduSpots logo is drawn boldly in front of the Spot.

In the past, a lack of interest in education contributed to a high dropout rate: learners had no direction, and scenes of them roaming about the beaches playing football or chasing crabs were frequent. However, since the establishment of the Spot, there has been a remarkable shift. Learners now eagerly visit the Spot after school and during the weekends. Here, they immerse themselves in reading, learning, and engaging in literacy games that significantly enhance their vocabulary and academic interest. Some also turn to the Catalysts available to help them complete their homework. More than 100 learners have built their dreams and have chosen career paths, as well as supported their peers in their goals.

The dream for the future is to bring more local Catalysts on board to create an educational centre that becomes a hub for education and innovation across Sanzule, Krisan and its neighbouring communities. The Spot has successfully trained some learners to become future Catalysts and is now seeking support from past students of the beneficiary schools to develop a digital suite that will equip learners and the local community with the digital skills necessary to thrive and connect in today’s world.

Bashiru, one of the young vibrant teachers who initiated the transformational process, said, “It warmed my heart to witness education celebrated in this way. We hope this facility would help our learners access quality education just as their peers in more affluent cities. My team and I are humbled to have contributed to creating a conducive learning space for students in Sanzule, Krisan and nearby communities. With this achievement, I have been convinced by the power in team work because I would not have achieved this height alone had it not been a collective effort of my team members’’.