Era donated laptions to shidaa foundation CategoriesUncategorized

ERA Donates Laptops to Support the Shidaa Team

The Shidaa Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant boost to our operations, thanks to the incredible generosity of the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA)! We sincerely thank the ERA for donating 5 laptops to the Shidaa Foundation. These vital devices will directly enhance the productivity and impact of the Shidaa team as we continue our important work supporting children’s education and well-being. At the Shidaa Foundation, our mission is to empower the next generation through access to education and resources. This generous donation from ERA strengthens our capacity to achieve that mission, ensuring our team has the tools they need to operate efficiently and expand our reach. Thank you, ERA, for your commitment to community support and for helping us make an even greater difference in the lives of children.

Young Ghanaian student with backpack and school supplies, representing access to education. CategoriesUncategorized

Forgotten by Progress: Children Left Behind in the AI Revolution

In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving and reshaping our world daily, it’s easy to get swept up in the marvels of technological advancement. From self-driving cars to complex medical diagnostics, AI’s progress is undeniable and exciting. Yet, amidst this incredible growth, a stark contrast exists in many parts of the world, particularly in places like Ghana, where countless children still lack the most basic educational necessities: school materials, books, and essential school supplies. Imagine a child eager to learn, with dreams as vast as any, but without a pencil to write or a book to read. This reality is a significant hurdle for their educational journey and future prospects. In fact, assessments show that many Ghanaian students are not learning effectively, with only 19% of Grade 4 students meeting proficiency in mathematics in 2018, and nearly half failing to achieve minimum competency. This challenge is often exacerbated by a lack of resources; as of 2021, over 2.3 million basic school pupils in Ghana lacked adequate seating and writing places, highlighting the widespread deprivation of even fundamental tools for learning. While AI pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, we must remember that the foundation of human potential lies in accessible, quality education for all. Fortunately, dedicated organizations are working tirelessly to bridge this gap. Shidaa Foundation is one such beacon of hope, committed to empowering children in Ghana and Canada by providing crucial basic school supplies and backpacks, a testament to the power of collective action and the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive. By equipping children with the tools they need, Shidaa Foundation helps unlock their potential, fostering a love for learning and opening doors to brighter futures; visit their website at www.shidaa.org to learn more about their invaluable work and how you can contribute. The future of our world rests in the hands of these children. By ensuring they have access to fundamental educational resources, we are investing not just in their individual success but in the progress and prosperity of humanity as a whole. Let’s stand together to support these young minds, ensuring that as AI continues to evolve, no child is left behind in their journey towards knowledge and opportunity. Indeed, as we venture further into the AI era, it’s crucial that we, too, play our part in ensuring every child’s foundational needs are met.  

CategoriesChildren

$2,155 Raised: A Wheelchair for Emmanuel in Axim

 At The Shidaa Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of their circumstances. From our base in Canada to underserved communities in Ghana, our mission is rooted in equity, compassion, and action. Guided by founders whose roots span both nations, we work tirelessly to break down barriers to education and create lasting change. One story that beautifully reflects the heart of our mission is that of Emmanuel Kofi, a young boy from Axim, Ghana. The Heart of the Mission: Restoring Hope in Axim, Ghana Emmanuel Kofi is a bright and determined student with a strong desire to learn. However, due to a disability and the lack of a functional wheelchair, his daily journey to school became a major challenge. What should have been a simple routine—going to class—was instead a constant struggle, threatening his access to education. When the Shidaa Foundation learned about Emmanuel’s situation, we knew immediate action was needed. Wheels to School: Turning Compassion into Action Through our “Wheels to School” initiative, we reached out to our community for support—and the response was incredible. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we raised $2,155, exceeding our original $2,000 goal. This collective effort made it possible to provide Emmanuel with a brand-new wheelchair, restoring not only his mobility but also his independence and confidence. Seeing Emmanuel return to school, empowered and eager to learn, is a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Bridging Continents: Our Impact in Ghana and Canada Emmanuel’s story represents just one aspect of the broader impact The Shidaa Foundation continues to make across Ghana and Canada. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of children in both developing and developed contexts, ensuring meaningful and sustainable impact. Strong Partnerships, Lasting Change Our work is strengthened by the generosity of trusted partners and donors who share our vision for educational equity. We are deeply grateful for the support of: Canadian Children’s Book Centre, which donated 6,000 children’s books BIC, for providing essential stationery supplies Donated refurbished laptops to support Shidaa Foundation’s volunteers and organizational operations. The Shidaa Foundation is a registered Canadian charity, verifiable through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), ensuring transparency and accountability in all our initiatives. How You Can Help Donate to support Operation Backpack Volunteer your time and skills Spread the Word by sharing our story with friends and family Together, we can continue to create opportunities, restore dignity, and build brighter futures for children everywhere. Watch Emmanuel’s Story in Action See Emmanuel Kofi’s journey and how The Shidaa Foundation provided him with a wheelchair to attend school without barriers: