An innovative Ghanaian education initiative has been selected among 24 finalists vying for the 2012 World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) Awards. Omega Schools is a chain of low-cost private schools serving low-income communities in Ghana, which is demonstrating a model of how to extend access to high quality, low-cost education for low-income families across the world. The School’s selection was based on its innovation, coupled with the improvements made through lesson plans, pupil workbooks, computing applications and dedicated teachers. Management training and mentoring has made Omega Schools popular with parents, demonstrated by the fact that a new school is typically full within 10 days of opening. Under the theme ‘Transforming Education’, the 2012 WISE Awards will recognize six projects from the 24 finalists for their concrete, positive impact upon society. Winners will be announced in September 2012. One of the 2012 WISE Awards will be for a project that has best delivered innovative financing of primary education, said a statement. “This reflects the support of Qatar Foundation Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser for the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 2 on achieving universal primary education and it is designed to stimulate innovative projects targeted at achieving MDG 2”, it noted. WISE holds an annual international Summit that provides a unique platform and meeting place for thought leaders and experts to share best practices in education. The 2012 Summit will take place in Doha, Qatar, November 13-15, 2012.