Empowering Youth Through Education and Table Tennis: Asoba & NK Foundations’ Dream Building Fund journey
As the ITTF Foundation continues to witness the meaningful outcomes of the Dream Building Fund (DBF) projects, we are proud to celebrate the completion of the inspiring journey of Asoba & NK Foundations. Their project, EduDrive Table Tennis, which ran for three years across Kweikuma and Ofankor communities in Ghana, has significantly addressed educational inequality and benefited over 200 children and youth through an innovative blend of academic support and table tennis.
Turn Around the Lives in Accra, Ghana
Kweikuma and Ofankor, two urban-slum communities in Ghana’s Western and Greater Accra regions, have experienced a drastic decline in school attendance among children under 16. Many families in these areas live in makeshift shelters and struggle to provide even the most basic needs, such as stationery, food, and healthcare, for their children. Without access to support, many children are forced to abandon their education and turn to street hawking, alms begging, or petty labour to support their families.
Even for those who remain in school, the situation is dire. A lack of learning materials and poor academic outcomes increase the rate of dropout. Recognising the urgency of this situation, Asoba & NK Foundations launched the EduDrive Table Tennis programme—a transformative initiative aimed at reversing the dropout trend and inspiring a brighter future through education and sport.
A Holistic Approach to Learning and Well-Being
Aiming to advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, the EduDrive project offered more than just academic support. It created an ecosystem where children could thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Participants regularly benefited from a range of interventions and activities designed to support their well-being and development:
- After-school tutoring:
Each week, students received academic support in English, Mathematics, and Science. These sessions encouraged analytical thinking and fostered curiosity in core subjects.
- Free school supplies:
To enhance attendance, learning engagement, and the overall school experience, the project provided essential educational materials, including textbooks, pens, uniforms, and daily lunches.
- Table tennis training:
Children took part in weekly training sessions led by four dedicated coaches. These sessions not only taught basic table tennis skills but also promoted physical fitness, mental discipline, and inclusion through sport in a safe, supportive environment.
- Menstrual hygiene products:
Menstrual hygiene products were distributed to girls to support their health and ensure uninterrupted participation in both school and project activities.
- Access to healthcare:
The project helped participants enrol in the national health insurance scheme, reinforcing the vital connection between well-being, physical activity, and academic readiness.
Achievements that Changed Lives
After three years of dedicated implementation, the EduDrive project delivered significant outcomes aligned with its goals:
1. Improved academic performance
Students reported better grades, particularly in Maths, English, and Science. Educators noted greater classroom engagement and a rise in curiosity, especially in science subjects. On average, students’ scores in English and Mathematics rose by more than 20%, reflecting a substantial academic impact.
2. Enhanced learning through table tennis
An impressive 94% of students stated that table tennis contributed positively to their academic performance, while 96% felt it increased their motivation to stay in school. The average rating for academic motivation driven by table tennis was 4.31 out of 5.
3. Increased attendance and retention
EduDrive successfully improved school retention, with average student attendance rising from 78.47% to 84.16%. By offering free learning resources and reinforcing school engagement through sport, the programme reduced absenteeism and boosted motivation. Notably, girls made up 62% of participants—a true achievement in gender inclusivity in both education and sport.
4. Strengthened life skills and confidence
Regular table tennis sessions fostered key life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem. Many participants developed greater social confidence and built lasting friendships through the programme.
5. Broad community and teacher support
The project received strong endorsements from parents, guardians, and schoolteachers alike. It was praised not just as an academic booster but also as a development platform that gave children hope, direction, and a sense of belonging.
6. Received global recognition
In collaboration with us, the EduDrive project produced a compelling video showcasing its contribution to the community. The video was awarded the Second Mention d’Honneur at the SPORT MOVIES & TV 2022 – 40th Milano International FICTS Fest, under the category Sport & Society – Sport Values, Education, and Culture, gaining attention and raising awareness of the social impact of table tennis.
Lessons and Legacy
Through its success, EduDrive demonstrated the critical role of extracurricular activities, such as table tennis sessions, in fostering both academic achievement and personal growth. It also underscored the value of strong community engagement in sustaining educational outcomes, as well as the importance of teacher involvement in connecting classroom learning with out-of-school experiences. Most importantly, the project showed how a thoughtful balance between learning and play can contribute to the holistic development of children.
By the end of the project, over 200 children had completed the EduDrive programme with an attendance rate exceeding 75%. Approximately 70-80% of participants showed significant academic improvement. Many also discovered a genuine interest in science and developed a solid foundation in table tennis, equipping them with greater opportunities for the future.
Beyond the Finish Line
Though the formal DBF support has ended, our collaboration and commitment with Asoba & NK Foundations carry on. The team has planned and is working to:
- Expand the programme’s reach in underserved communities
- Secure additional funding to provide more resources
- Forge new partnerships for broader educational opportunities
- Build long-term strategies to ensure sustained impact
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the entire Asoba & NK Foundations team, especially project leaders Ishmael Abraham Armah and Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah, as well as the dedicated teachers, volunteers, and community members of Kweikuma and Ofankor. Their dedication, resilience, and belief in the power of education and sport have created lasting change in the lives of hundreds of children.
Together, we will continue to prove that with support, opportunity, and a table tennis racket in hand, the vulnerable young learners can rally their way toward a better future.
For more information about the project, please visit this webpage
#TTCanChangeLives