Student’s initiative to advance literacy education for primary learners in rural Ghana

Chiedza Ikpeh, 29, born in Zimbabwe and now living in Liverpool, who is studying for a PhD in the University’s School of Education, is the Co-Founder and Director of the RARA (Real and Authentic Representations of Africans and Caribbeans) Education Project.  

She is championing a fundraising campaign in collaboration with the Foundation for Educational Equity and Development (FEED), a Ghanaian non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for underserved children. 

During a recent visit to Ghana, Chiedza was deeply moved by the challenges facing the country’s primary education system, particularly the severe lack of resources in rural areas. Inspired by her experiences, she has committed to supporting FEED’s mission to improve literacy through targeted initiatives that directly benefit children in these underserved communities ahead of her next visit in the new year. 

Chiedza’s initiative is a powerful example of how University of Chester students are extending their impact beyond the UK, contributing to global educational advancement. Her work is aligned with the University’s commitment to nurturing leadership, social responsibility and international collaboration among its students. 

The campaign will support two key programme under FEED’s Libraries Without Walls project. The first is a ‘4 Weeks 2 Read’ programme which is designed to rapidly transform non-readers into confident readers within just four weeks and Chiedza’s goal is to sponsor the literacy training of 100 students by Easter 2025, providing them with the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning. The second initiative provides ‘Lit Bags’ filled with age-appropriate books and essential educational materials to children in rural areas. By equipping students with these resources, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading and enhance literacy rates in these communities. 

To kickstart her fundraising and awareness raising efforts Chiedza is taking part in the Liverpool 10KM Run at Aintree on December 15, 2024. She will be documenting her preparation for the run on social media which can be followed here. 

Chiedza said: “The teacher in me is deeply passionate about ensuring that every child has equitable access to basic literacy education. I am committed to making a difference, whether through small or significant efforts. With every step I take in the upcoming run, I hope to raise awareness about the transformative power of education and the impact of collective action in shaping futures. Education has the potential to unlock opportunities and change lives, and it is through our collective efforts that we can create meaningful change. I am grateful for the support of the University of Chester, FEED, and everyone who joins us on this journey.” 

Gordon Baillie, Senior Lecturer in Education Practice (English), at the University of Chester, said: “Chiedza’s experience as a teacher, researcher and activist combine to form an individual with a social consciousness that aims to benefit all, particularly where she sees inequality and the possibility of enacting change. Her experience as an English teacher means that she is well-placed to see the opportunities presented by this programme and the rapid changes and positive outcomes which can be achieved. RARA’s mission, and Chiedza’s part in this, means that she is equally well-placed to work with a range of partners to enact change and to sensitively drive all aspects of what is needed to make things happen that benefit the lives of learners.” 

To donate to Chiedza’s Go Fund Me visit here: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-100-children-in-ghana-access-quality-education