February newsletter

In December 2021 we received our best ever West African Certificate (WASSCE) results. These correspond roughly with British A-levels and form the basis for acceptance to tertiary education. A C6 grading or above is required for entry to a polytechnic, and a C5 for university entrance. We’re proud to say our students were awarded C6 or above in 84% of their results. Overall the failure rate was very low, at only 2.8%.

Our students are aware that working hard and getting high grades is essential for them to progress to university. One former student is now studying Purchasing and Supply Chain Management at Sunyani Technical University, another is training to become a teacher at the University of Education Winneba in Kumasi. And here’s a note from Priscilla, one of our former pupils, who is studying to be a doctor’s assistant at Kumasi University.

Priscilla

“We began our first semester with eight courses, namely biological chemistry, medical genetics, basic medical chemistry, computer science, communication skills, algebra, cell structure and Ghanaian sign language. With good time management and assistance from friends, I have been able to cope with course so far. I feel hugely grateful for all the support from Alma Mater Education in preparing me for this.”

In addition to achieving high academic results, we also provide excellent facilities for sport, music and other pastoral activities, ensuring a rounded education. All this is essential but needs funding. To pay for one student at AME costs around £25/€30 per month, which includes education, food, accommodation, health care, pastoral care and all other needs.

 Ecoland

Ecoland is a successful organic German food producer (already operating in India and Zanzibar) which has now won a large grant from the German government to set up similar projects and infrastructure working in Ghana. AME is excited to have become a local project partner.

AME Farm will establish a demonstration plot and invite local farmers to learn how to produce organic cocoa (the major cash crop in the area), and also to begin growing other produce such as herbs and spices. In December, our AME Chair Christopher Bielenberg and local Project Director Dennis Akomeah attended a project launch meeting in Accra.
Ultimately the project is focussed on exporting produce from Ghana to Germany, and Ecoland is already experienced in supporting local organisations to achieve this goal. Additionally Ecoland will work with Ghanaian authorities to make the local organic certification process simpler and cheaper.

 The project runs for three years, funding an agricultural specialist at AME to enhance operational performance. Ecoland have already supported us by purchasing new laptops and a new solar-powered water pump and solar panels, thereby improving water supply to the farm and reliable electricity for our classrooom resources.  Ultimately AME will act as a local hub, supporting local farmers and aggregating their produce for sale to Ecoland

Funky artwork

Our partners at the Toni Garrn Foundation have introduced us to Alexa Proba, a New York-based textile artist who worked with our students last summer to produce a range of designs. The resulting artwork was adapted for rugs and posters. You can buy see and buy them here

All profits will go to the Foundation and will ultimately be distributed to AME and other projects.