At the start of the first term of the academic year, many children in deprived communities return to school without the basic items they need.

For some learners, school resumed with old, worn-out bags slung over their shoulders. Others arrived clutching their exercise books to their chests, with nothing to carry them in. In the most difficult cases, children improvised, using plastic bags or discarded food carriers from public events as school bags. These conditions, though rarely spoken about, affect a child’s confidence and willingness to attend school. For families already struggling, purchasing basic school supplies is simply out of reach.

This reality often leads to absenteeism, not because children do not want to learn, but because they feel discouraged before lessons even begin.

A Practical Intervention with Long-Term Impact

In response, the Michael Kunke Foundation, through its Education Empowerment for Sustainable Communities (EESC) initiative, implemented a targeted back-to-school support project aimed at restoring dignity and motivation among vulnerable learners.

In partnership with Freelancenana Travels and with the generous support of Dr. Armen Ross, the Foundation distributed approximately 200 school bags and essential stationery to needy pupils across the Komenda–Edina–Eguafo–Abrem (KEEA) and Mfantsiman Districts.

Beneficiary schools were drawn from communities including Epowano, Abeyee, Yamoransa, and Bronyibima, where the need for basic educational materials remains significant.

Each learner received a complete starter pack consisting of:

Learners happily displaying their new bag packs

• A school bag

• Exercise books

• Pencils

• Erasers

• Pencil sharpeners

These simple tools play a critical role in improving school attendance, self-esteem, and classroom participation.

Partnership That Puts Children First

According to Nana Duawosu Preston, CEO of Freelancenana Travels, the initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility commitment.

“This is a project we are proud to undertake every year with the Michael Kunke Foundation. When children go to school feeling confident and prepared, it directly affects how they engage with learning.”

Founder of the Michael Kunke Foundation, Michael Kunke, expressed appreciation to both Freelancenana Travels and Dr. Ross for their support, noting that the intervention goes beyond material support.

“These bags and learning materials serve as encouragement. They remove one more barrier that could keep a child out of the classroom during the academic year.”

Transparency, Trust, and Community Impact

Dr. Armen Ross commended the Foundation for its transparent and needs-based approach to distribution, emphasizing the importance of accountability in community development work.

He encouraged individuals and institutions to continue supporting grassroots nonprofit organisations that are committed to creating measurable impact at the community level.

Through collaborative action and shared responsibility, the Michael Kunke Foundation continues to advance its mission of ensuring that no child is denied education because of preventable material barriers. Small interventions, when delivered with care and integrity, can change how a child experiences school and how they see their future.