As we move through another exciting year at Awutu Winton Senior High School, we're delighted to share some of the incredible progress that has been made thanks to the generosity of our supporters, volunteers and partners.
Every donation, every fundraising event and every hour given by volunteers helps create new opportunities for our students. From inspiring arts programmes and life-saving swimming lessons to international partnerships and ambitious building projects, there is so much to celebrate.
Creativity flourishes through a new visual arts programme
This year has seen the launch of an exciting visual arts programme that has quickly become one of the school's most popular initiatives.
Working alongside talented resident artists Lanto and Ahmed, students have embraced new creative opportunities, producing work that has transformed the school environment. Two striking murals now brighten the campus, whilst students have also explored ceramics and a range of other artistic disciplines.
A major milestone has been the arrival of a ceramic kiln, believed to be the only one of its kind in a Ghanaian high school, which has opened up an entirely new avenue for creative learning.
The programme will reach another exciting milestone this October, when students' artwork will be exhibited at the Dei Centre Gallery in Accra from 19th to 25th October, giving these young artists the opportunity to showcase their talent to a wider audience.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Optibac, whose funding has helped turn this vision into reality. We are enormously grateful for their commitment to investing in creativity and education.
Teaching a skill that saves lives
Our Water Safety and Learn to Swim programme continues to make an extraordinary difference.
Every student at Awutu Winton Senior High School now takes part in swimming lessons, whilst the programme also welcomes pupils and teachers from neighbouring schools, alongside members of the local community.
Since September last year, 1,140 children aged 2 to 18 and 138 adults have learned this vital life skill.
This life-changing programme is made possible through the continued support of The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, together with an exceptional team of former pupils who now return to teach the next generation. Together, they are helping to build confidence, improve safety and quite literally save lives.
Strengthening international friendships
At the end of June we were delighted to welcome students and staff from our long-standing UK partner school, Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset.
The visit continues to be one of the highlights of the school calendar and demand to take part was higher than ever, with twelve Year 12 students selected from a hugely oversubscribed group. The week was filled with sporting events, cultural activities, language lessons, discussion groups and visits to local primary schools, creating lasting friendships between students from both countries.
Canford School also generously donated ten picnic benches, which students from both schools assembled together during the visit. A lasting reminder of the partnership they continue to build.
The value of this relationship extends far beyond the visit itself, enriching the lives of students on both sides and helping young people develop a broader understanding of the world around them. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.
Growing our digital community
One of the biggest developments behind the scenes has been the expansion of EDP's digital presence.
We are delighted to welcome Hannah Pearce, from Made Current, to the EDP family, bringing her expertise in social media to help share the school's story with a wider audience.
Working alongside website designer Tom Graham, and school photographer Cobby, Hannah is helping us strengthen our online presence through regular updates, photography, video content and social media, making it easier than ever for supporters to stay connected with the charity and the impact their generosity creates.
As well as this, Tom has recently given our website a significant refresh, including a new donation platform that makes supporting EDP simpler than ever before. We encourage everyone to follow our new social media channels and help spread the word by sharing our work with family and friends: Instagram @edptrust, TikTok @awutuwinton and Facebook.
Thank you, Steph and Amber
As we welcome new faces, we also say a heartfelt thank you to two remarkable volunteers. After long periods serving as Project Managers, Steph Fumigalli and Amber Brinkhuis have recently completed their time at the school.
Their dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to tackle every challenge have played a huge role in introducing many of the projects we now celebrate, while also supporting the day-to-day running of the school.
Everyone connected with EDP is incredibly grateful for everything they have achieved, often working long days in challenging conditions with positivity and determination. Thank you to Steph and Amber for all their support. We hope they remain part of the EDP family for many years to come.
Building for the future
Perhaps our most ambitious project yet is now beginning.
Thanks to an extraordinarily generous legacy donation from long-standing EDP supporter Chris Wilson, work is now underway on a new girls' dormitory. Introducing boarding facilities will transform opportunities for many young people who currently face long and difficult journeys to school each day.
The first phase of the project will provide accommodation for around 200 female students, with future plans to expand capacity to 300 to 350 students, including accommodation for boys as funding allows.
This is a significant project and, while construction has begun, additional fundraising is desperately needed to complete it. Every contribution brings us one step closer to creating a safer, more accessible learning environment for hundreds of future students. Donate now.
Join us this September
Saturday 20th September. To help raise funds for the new girls' dormitory, we will be hosting a special fundraising event in East Cholderton, Hampshire. The day will include:
- A guided health walk led by David Lunan, Director of EDP
- Live country music from rising local artist Harry Pearce
- Delicious food
- The chance to meet members of the charity and hear more about our work in Ghana
- Strings of Gascony garlic for just £15
Whether you have supported EDP for years or are discovering us for the first time, we'd love you to join us. Event details.
We'd also like to thank Nick and Char Robertson for hosting the fantastic Ghana v England World Cup fundraising event at their London home earlier this summer.
Looking ahead
Our annual trustee visit to the school is planned for November, when we hope to welcome both returning supporters and those making the journey for the very first time.
Following the success of last year's inaugural cricket event, plans are already underway to bring it back once again. A wonderful opportunity for students, trustees and visitors to come together in celebration.
Thank you
Everything you have read in this newsletter has only been possible because of people like you.
Whether you've donated, volunteered your time, attended a fundraising event, shared our story or simply encouraged others to learn about EDP, you have helped create real opportunities for young people in Ghana.
As our projects continue to grow, so does the need for support. From completing the new girls' dormitory to expanding educational opportunities and investing in future programmes, every donation, large or small, helps us move one step closer to our goals.
If you've ever thought about organising a fundraiser, taking on a sponsored challenge, hosting a coffee morning or supporting EDP in another way, we'd be incredibly grateful to hear from you. Community fundraising has always been at the heart of what we do and we'd be delighted to help you turn your ideas into meaningful support for the school.
If you'd like to make a donation, organise an event or simply find out more about how you can get involved, please get in touch with the team. Together, we can continue creating opportunities that will change lives for generations to come.
On behalf of everyone at Awutu Winton Senior High School and the entire EDP team, thank you for your continued kindness, generosity and belief in what we are building together. We couldn't do it without you.
On behalf of the Trustees at EDP and the staff of AWSHS
David Lunan
Trustee & Director