The Plan International Ghana Education Outcome Fund (EOF) project, implemented by Plan International Ghana, aims to reduce illiteracy among children in rural communities.

The Ministry of Education officially launched the Ghana Education Outcomes Project (GEOP) 2023, with Plan International Ghana being one of the implementers.

Plan International Ghana said the programme is achieving remarkable milestones in its operational areas. To date, over 21,000 out-of-school children have been reintegrated into education and are preparing to transition into mainstream schooling.

Meet Yakubu Zuli, one of the programme's success stories. Previously, Zuli helped her mother sell vegetables in the market, which kept her out of school.

However, thanks to the intervention, Zuli is now enrolled in school and thriving. "I wasn't in school before, but things have changed. Plan International Ghana has enrolled me in school, and I'm doing very well. I can calculate and read," she said.

Zuli's story is representative of over 2,100 children who were previously engaged in activities such as trading, farming, or cattle rearing, but are now accessing education. As an implementing partner, Plan International Ghana works in specific regions, including Bono East, North East, and Savannah, to support the project.

The programe's flexible approach allows children to learn in their mother tongue, with class schedules agreed upon by the local community. This enables children like Zuli to balance their education with supporting their families.

According to Mr Amadu Mahama, Project Manager, the project has exceeded its initial target, enrolling 21,316 children in school, surpassing the initial goal of 20,000. Mr Mahama highlighted the pressing need for the initiative, citing data that approximately 8 million children lack access to education.

However, Mr Mahama noted that one of the challenges faced is parents' reluctance to send their children back to school, as many rely on them for support in economic activities such as farming.

To address this, they have conducted community sensitisation efforts to educate parents on the importance of education, resulting in increased consent for enrollment.

Mr Mahama urged parents to take advantage of the project and enroll their children in school.