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Serasa Foundation Awards 24 Students as Educational Excellence Programme Expands to 20 Schools
Serasa Foundation has held the second edition of its Annual Educational Excellence Awards, recognising 24 outstanding Junior High School students from 20 schools across the Odoben Circuit and providing each beneficiary with a trunk and mattress to support their transition into second-cycle education.
The awards programme, held under the theme “Shaping Futures Through Academic Excellence,” brought together students, teachers, parents, education stakeholders and community leaders to celebrate academic achievement and encourage young people to pursue higher education.
The 2026 edition represents an expansion of the initiative, which began with 12 participating schools during its maiden edition.
The programme is part of Serasa Foundation’s broader mission to empower young people to pursue higher education while promoting academic excellence, mentorship, access to educational resources and sustained encouragement for students.
A key feature of this year’s programme was the practical support provided to all 24 award beneficiaries.
Each student received a trunk and mattress, items considered important for students preparing to leave home for second-cycle education.
The intervention adds a practical dimension to the Foundation’s recognition programme, moving beyond certificates and awards to provide direct support to students as they begin the next stage of their educational journey.
The Foundation’s approach reflects its stated vision of ensuring that every child, irrespective of their circumstances, has the opportunity and support needed to develop their potential and contribute positively to society.
Three students emerged as the overall best students in the Odoben Circuit, each recording an impressive aggregate 8.
They were Nora Constance Mbadila of Grassland International School, Audrine Asiedu Botwey of Odoben Islamic School, and Sharifa Nafiw Abdul, also of Odoben Islamic School.
The three students were each presented with a medal, certificate and GH₵1,000 cash prize, designated as educational support to assist them in continuing their academic journeys.
Their recognition was among the major highlights of the ceremony, providing an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the academic effort of the students and the contribution of their schools, teachers and families.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Arthur Michael, Programme Manager of Serasa Foundation, said the awards were intended to go beyond recognising examination results.
“The Educational Excellence Awards is about recognising achievement, but it is also about encouraging young people to believe in their abilities and remain committed to their education. We want students to understand that their present circumstances should not prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.”
He said the Foundation would continue to explore ways of supporting students through educational resources, mentorship and opportunities that could help them pursue higher education and develop their careers.
According to him, the increasing participation—from 12 schools in the first edition to 20 schools this year—demonstrates the growing interest in creating platforms that celebrate academic achievement among young people in the Odoben Circuit.
The awards were chaired by Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah, Member of Parliament for Asikuma Odoben Brakwa, who used the occasion to emphasise the importance of partnerships in supporting education.
The MP reaffirmed his willingness to collaborate with Serasa Foundation and other stakeholders on initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for young people within the constituency.
“Supporting our young people requires collective effort. Government alone cannot do everything. Foundations, schools, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders all have important roles to play. I commend Serasa Foundation for this initiative and reaffirm my willingness to collaborate with the Foundation on programmes that support education and the development of our young people.”
His remarks highlighted the importance of partnerships between community-based organisations and public officials in addressing educational needs and creating opportunities for students.
The 2026 programme involved 20 schools across the Odoben Circuit, including Odoben Islamic Basic School, Odoben Presbyterian Basic School (Boys and Girls), Odoben Methodist Basic School, Odoben A.M.E. Zion School, Odoben Roman Catholic Basic School, Odoben D/A Basic School, Odoben T.I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, New Hope Preparatory School and Odoben Saint Paul’s Academy.
Other participating schools were Uncle Sam Academy, Odoben Grassland International School, Odoben Community Complex, Nkwanta Eshiem D/A Basic School, Nankese Prof. Ike International School, Odokono Nkwanta Cornerstone Academy, Domeabra D/A Basic School, Tweredua D/A Basic School, Nankese D/A Basic School and Odoben Ama Fuah Basic School.
The increased participation provides a broader platform for identifying and recognising students who demonstrate academic commitment across different schools in the circuit.
For Serasa Foundation, the annual programme forms part of a longer-term effort to promote a culture in which academic achievement is recognised and students are encouraged to pursue higher education.
The Foundation’s stated vision is to see young people equipped with the knowledge, confidence and resources required to make a positive contribution to their communities and beyond.
The provision of educational support to the 24 beneficiaries also points to an effort to connect recognition with practical assistance.
As the initiative grows, its organisers hope to reach more schools and students while strengthening partnerships with educators, parents, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The second edition has consequently provided another platform for celebrating students who have demonstrated academic excellence while drawing attention to the broader need to invest in the next generation.
For the students recognised at the ceremony, the awards represent a milestone in their educational journey.
For the Foundation, however, the broader objective remains clear: to use education, recognition and practical support to help young people build the foundation for their future.