Guidance Notes for Project Applications and School Links

What information do we need to make a decision on a project application?

The first step is usually to write to us with an initial outline of your ideas and a basic cost estimate where appropriate. The format of this could be a letter or email. Please be brief but seek to include essential information about yourself, and the project. The more specific you are, the better. In a next step we may ask you to send us a fuller project proposal.

In order to assist you with drafting your initial thoughts and applications, Ghana School Aid has put together some guidance notes. Please use the documents listed under the Guidance notes section.  For more information about School Linking, also check out the UKOWLA (UK One World Linking Association) website for its Toolkit.

What do we fund?

• We mainly make grants to public sector (including faith based) Primary to Senior Secondary Schools, Teacher Training and Vocational Training Schools or Centres.
• We fund projects across Ghana, but wish to give special support to education in the Northern Region, Upper East Region and Upper West Region.
• We seek to support the educational needs of all young people. However, we recognise a particular need in supporting women and girl’s access to education.
• Grants can cover building materials, essential equipment like books and writing materials, and basic computing / technical equipment.
• We also support School Links between British and Ghanaian Schools to enable exchange and new experiences for young people in an interconnected world.
• In addition to the above priorities we may from time to time identify, develop and support specific, innovative projects that have the potential for a wider positive impact on education in Ghana overall.
• In all our work we seek to support local efforts that aim to help Ghanaian children to acquire a sound education appropriate for them to take their place in the world today.

What do we not fund?

• Private schools or colleges whose degrees and curricula are not recognised by the public education authorities
• Volunteer work and placements
• Individual bursaries or stipends
• General community development projects
• General institutional budgets

When and how do we make decisions?

The Executive Committee meets approximately every quarter to discuss projects and their support. Project proposals or relevant correspondence are scheduled for discussion according to time and priority, but not all proposals put to us ahead of a meeting can be dealt with immediately. Upon receipt of your application we will try to give you a fair estimate as to when we can respond and deal with your matter.

Who should you contact?

Please contact us either by email under info@ghanaschoolaid.org or by post: Michael Hammer, Secretary, Ghana School Aid, 52 Penton Place, London SE 17 3SH, UK. Use of email is encouraged.