ITTF Foundation Programmes Coordinators Julia Tappendorf and Ramón Ortega-Montes were happy to have joined the project inauguration and witnessed the positive changes EduDrive is making.

“EduDrive uses table tennis as a tool to drive education. 200 school children that have dropped out from schools in Ofankor and Kweikuma Community will benefit from this project. Parents of these children hardly get enough money to provide the basic needs such as stationery, uniforms, lunch and medical bills, forcing those children to take up petty jobs to support their families. Our project offers after-school academic classes in English, math, and science while using table tennis to improve enrollment and as a motivation.” Ishmael Abraham Armah, EduDrive project leader.

“I really like going to school but I did not go too often. Through this programme I have gained self-confidence and also improved in table tennis. I enjoy playing table tennis now. I have also improved in English.” Joyceline Boamah, participant of the EduDrive programme.

Run by Asoba & NK Foundation, EduDrive has resumed the activities in May 2021, as the official project inauguration took place on November 25 2021 in Accra. Joined by guests including Ghana North Municipal Assembly Deputy Director of Education-Monitoring and Supervision, representatives of the National Sports Authority, National Youth Authority, the President of Ghana Table Tennis Association, as well as ITTF Foundation representatives, EduDrive is now on full speed in assisting children in their education set up with after-school academic classes.

“EduDrive ensures access to quality education for all children regardless of their financial situation. By using table tennis as a tool to motivate and empower, the children will learn the importance of discipline, teamwork and build valuable friendships along the way.” Prof. Dr Peter Twumasi, National Sports Authority Deputy Director-General.

A model initiative

In addition to the after-school academic classes, participants of the EduDrive also receive free national health insurance, educational materials, lunch during weekdays and female hygiene products for those in need.

“With the basic needs been taken care of, every EduDrive participant will have the opportunity to be more. Some will be doctors, while some will grow up to become architects. Table tennis is more than just a sport, it is a key to open doors, doors that lead to opportunities and new encounters.” Mawuko Afadzinu, Ghana Table Tennis Association President.

“The ITTF Foundation is honoured to be sponsoring EduDrive in bringing children back to school and promoting quality education for those from disadvantaged families. Together with our trusted partner Global Sports Development (GSD), we have supported many great projects and EduDrive is one of its kind. By combining extra academic classes with table tennis training, EduDrive harnesses the empowering nature of the sport and uses it to motivate and accelerate education for the project participants.” Ramon Ortega-Montes: ITTF Foundation Programmes Coordinator.

A step towards project sustainability

As one of the Dream Building Fund 2020 projects, the ITTF Foundation and GSD promised not only financial support but also expertise and resource in making the project sustainable.

During its visit to EduDrive in Ghana, the ITTF Foundation has had the chance to monitor, evaluate and further enhance the contribution of table tennis to education. With a deepened understanding of the current reality and challenges, we are now able to build a better roadmap for EduDrive to measure and scale the project impact, and ultimately achieve project sustainability.