Back to School: Standout Foundation Supports 200 Children in Ghana Ahead of the New Academic Year

For many children, the beginning of a new academic year brings excitement, new friendships and opportunities to learn. For some children, returning to school can also mean not having the basic materials needed to take part fully in classroom activities. At Standout Foundation, we believe that no child's education should be limited by circumstances beyond their control. Every child should be able to walk into the classroom with confidence and the tools to learn.

In August 2026, Standout Foundation extended its commitment to improving access to quality education across Africa through a partnership with Ghana-based Street Children Empowerment Foundation (SCEF).  The collaboration supported 200 children, including street-connected and other vulnerable children, with essential learning materials ahead of the 2026/2027 academic year. The initiative reflects Standout Foundation's mission to make education more accessible through learning materials, educational support and opportunities to learn and thrive.

Why Access to learning materials

Across Africa, millions of children face challenges accessing and completing quality education. Enrolment remains a priority, but children also need the resources to take part meaningfully in learning.  According to UNESCO, an estimated 273 million children and young people worldwide were out of school in 2024, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for approximately 28%of this population. In Ghana, the Ghana Statistical Service reported that more than  1.2 million children aged 4 to 17 were out of school in 2022.

Behind these figures are children and families, each with their own circumstances. For some families, the cost of school bags, exercise books and other basic learning materials can add pressure to already limited household resources.

Standout Foundation recognises that access to education goes beyond getting children into classrooms. It also means making sure they have the resources, support and opportunities to learn and succeed once they are there. This understanding guides out continued support for programmes which seeks to reduce barriers to learning for children in Africa with limited access to learning materials.

Turning our commitment into action in Ghana

As part of our efforts to expand educational opportunities beyond The Gambia, Standout Foundation funded learning materials for 200 children in support of SCEF's back-to-school campaign. SCEF  brought the local knowledge and relationships needed to reach the children we care about at Standout Foundation. Through this support, 200 children received school bags, exercise books and other essential learning materials to prepare for the new academic year. The distribution took place on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at the Rotary Club of Accra Airport.

Beyond School Supplies: Investing in Every Child's Future

A school bag may look simple, but it keeps a child's books and pencils together and protected. An exercise book offers a space to practise writing, solve problems and take part in classroom activities. These small, practical items can ease some of the everyday challenges that affect children's learning. By funding these materials, Standout Foundation helped ease the cost of preparing for school and helped children begin the academic year ready to learn.

Building Partnerships That Expand Educational Opportunities

Ghana is one step  in Standout Foundation's work beyond The Gambia. We want to keep building partnerships with community-based organisations like SCEF across Africa  that understand the realities children face, while we continue to support access to learning through materials and scholarships.

Our vision extends beyond individual outreach activities. We seek to establish meaningful partnerships that strengthen educational access and create lasting opportunities for children in Africa. We  sincerely appreciate Street Children Empowerment Foundation for the partnership and for its continued commitment to supporting vulnerable children in Ghana.

The Future Begins with the Opportunities We Create Today

Providing learning materials will not address every challenge facing children, but it is a practical step towards more supportive learning environments. For the 200 children supported through this initiative, the new academic year began with additional resources to support their learning journey. A child's future should not be determined by their family's financial situation or social circumstances. We envision an Africa where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and pursue their dreams.

Be Part of the Change

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn. You can help us reach more children by supporting our educational programmes, partnering with us, or contributing towards learning materials and scholarships.

Partner with or Donate to Standout Foundation

Learn more about our Education, Financial Support and Scholarships initiatives.