More than 800 students preparing for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Bolgatanga East District are set to receive vital support from the Ena Foundation, a nonprofit committed to improving access to education.
The effort is part of the foundation’s “Pencil Up” initiative, now in its fifth year. Launched in 2021, the project was a direct response to the setbacks many students faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has become a lifeline for students in underserved communities across the Upper East Region.
“We designed the Pencil Up project to ensure that no student feels unprepared because of where they live,” says Grace Mawuena Koveh, CEO of the foundation. Under her leadership, the project has provided mathematical sets, pens, pencils, and erasers to hundreds of candidates each year.
This year, the outreach will take place on Monday, June 9, targeting schools in the Zuarungu Circuit of Bolga East, as well as select schools in the Bolgatanga Municipality. The distribution isn’t just about supplies—it also includes motivational sessions aimed at boosting students’ confidence ahead of their exams.
So far, the project has covered Sumbrungu, Yorogo, Tongo, and Paga circuits. Despite limited funding, it has remained consistent thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers—mainly students and young professionals—along with the help of friends and family.
“We do what we can with the little we have,” Grace explains. “But to keep going and reach even more children, we need support.”
The foundation is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations to assist—whether through donations of learning materials, transport services, refreshments for volunteers, or financial contributions.
Support can be sent via: 0591818142 / 0249262538.
Ena Foundation believes that every child deserves the tools to succeed, and with the community’s help, they’re working to make that a reality—one pencil at a time.
