A University of Chester postgraduate student is launching an initiative to boost literacy among primary students in rural Ghana.

Chiedza Ikpeh, 29, originally from Zimbabwe and now living in Liverpool, is a PhD student at the University of Chester's School of Education.

She is also the co-founder and director of the RARA (Real and Authentic Representations of Africans and Caribbeans) Education Project.

Ms Ikpeh is partnering with the Foundation for Educational Equity and Development (FEED), a Ghanaian non-profit organisation that aims to provide educational opportunities to underserved children.

Together they are launching a fundraising campaign.

On a recent trip to Ghana, Ms Ikpeh was deeply affected by the issues facing primary education, particularly in remote areas where resources are scarce.

This inspired her to support FEED's mission to improve literacy with initiatives specifically designed to benefit students in these underserved regions.

She plans more visits in the new year.

Ms Ikpeh's efforts exemplify how University of Chester students are making their mark beyond the UK, contributing to worldwide educational improvement.

Her work aligns with the university's commitment to fostering leadership, social accountability and international collaboration in their students.

The campaign supports the '4 Weeks 2 Read' programme to rapidly transform non-readers into confident readers within four weeks and the distribution of 'Lit Bags' filled with age-appropriate books and essential learning materials to children in rural areas.

Ms Ikpeh is committed to sponsoring the literacy training of 100 students by Easter 2025.

She will kick off her fundraising and awareness efforts by participating in the Liverpool 10KM Run at Aintree on December 15, 2024.

She will also keep supporters updated on her preparation for the run through her social media accounts.

Ms Ikpeh 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, voiced his support saying: "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."

Donations can be made to Chiedza’s Go Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-100-children-in-ghana-access-quality-education.