Cambridge: Three women from Ghana, who faced the threat of dropping out of secondary school due to poverty, are set to complete their master's degrees at the University of Cambridge this week. Francisca Arhinful, Fadila Issah, and Jemimah Mensah pursued their postgraduate qualifications at the university's Faculty of Education.
According to Ghana Web, Issah, 26, became the first person from her community in northern Ghana to attend Cambridge. She now aspires to inspire girls in similar situations to pursue their dreams. The trio, who will all receive a Master of Philosophy in Education, were supported by Camfed, an education charity focused on African girls and young women. Their education was funded by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program.
Issah achieved excellent grades despite growing up in Savelugu, a region known for its low female school completion rates. With high school education being fee-paying until 2017, and additional boarding costs for rural students, Issah's family struggled financially. Her father's inability to work due to an accident made matters worse. However, Issah's determination led her to take on two jobs, which caught the attention of a Camfed teacher-mentor who covered her educational expenses.
Camfed, registered in the UK and founded in Cambridge and Zimbabwe, works to combat poverty and inequality in several African countries through education. Unesco data reveals that only four out of every ten girls in Africa complete secondary school, with even fewer among the poorest children.
Arhinful, 25, from Ghana's Ajumako District, faced financial difficulties that initially prevented her from attending high school. While her family sought support from an aunt, Camfed stepped in with a scholarship and connected her with the Camfed Association, a network of young women from similar backgrounds.
Mensah, 29, had to drop out of school at 14 to support her family's catering business. Her return to education was made possible when a free high school opened nearby. Eventually, the three women received university funding through the charity, which also introduced them to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program, covering their Cambridge costs.
The women now aim to assist others in similar situations. As Camfed learner guides, they serve as peer mentors delivering a life skills and wellbeing curriculum, particularly focusing on keeping marginalized girls in school.