Thank you for considering a gift to OSL. Your contribution helps children ages 0–6 access affordable, bilingual, play-based early learning in rural Entumbil, Ghana. Select Donate Online in the header banner right corner to give securely and receive a tax receipt, or explore the partnership, volunteer, expertise, and in-kind support opportunities described below.
OSL began with a gift from a diaspora couple who supported this community led daycare from modest earnings and now from their pensions. In 2020, they provided their property rent-free for 30 years—an estimated $241,000 in forgone rent—creating early learning opportunities for children ages 0–6 in Entumbil, Ghana.
Ways You Can Make a Difference
Support OSL through donations, expertise, volunteering, partnerships, in-kind support or advice. Your help can strengthen literacy, play-based learning, WASH, educator training, nutrition, conservation, and child safety. Supporters receive measurable results, updates, recognition, and public engagement opportunities.
Why Your Support Matters
Rural Ghana lacks publicly funded preschool, limiting school readiness and women’s economic participation. OSL helps close this gap through Oct 2026 Website Changes Page 3 of 9 One Step Learning bilingual, play-based STEAM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning in English and Fante. Funding and professional collaboration help sustain quality learning and build community-based revenue.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
A recent 
Needs Assessment, shaped by parents, Entumbil First Light Parents Association (EFLPA), staff, management, directors, and community members, confirmed the daycare as a valued long-term asset. OSL responded with the Building Capacity for Sustainability Roadmap Project to expand partnerships, diversify revenue, and attract expertise and supplies. As funding permits, the October 2026 Needs Assessment prioritizes educator compensation and training, learning materials, technology, and play-based resources.
OSL’s roadmap combines gradual fee adjustments, University of Cape Coast teacher training, outreach, grants, donations, and social enterprise. OSL is also exploring a school van to provide safer transportation and dependable program revenue.
What Makes the Initiative Distinct
OSL gives preschool children a strong start in a rural area without publicly funded preschool. Its bilingual STEAM program serves six surrounding towns, strengthens the community, and expands opportunities for girls and women.
| Item | Description | Amount |
| Educational Materials | Books, furniture, and classroom supplies. | $7,000 |
| Teacher Professional Development | On-site University of Cape Coast training and materials. | $6,000 |
| Operational Revenue Support | Salaries, utilities, and essential operating costs. | $24,000 |
| Safe Transportation | Third-party transportation from surrounding towns. | $4,000 |
| Environmental Conservation | Waste and water conservation, learning garden upkeep, trees, and playground improvements. | $8,000 |
| Technology Integration | Devices, technology-based toys, and educational apps. | $8,000 |
| PSEAH Policy Implementation Challenge | Training, materials, reporting logistics in Ghana where elements are remote, should incidents occur. | $4,000 |
Growing for the Future
As funding and capacity grow, OSL plans to improve facilities, acquire a safe vehicle, and expand the program after securing essential operations. A student transportation service is the leading social-enterprise opportunity under review.
A Safer Ride to School
Families strongly support safer transportation. At the March 10, 2026, EFLPA meeting, parents agreed to pay GHC 15 daily for a safe school bus—50% above the current GHC 10 attendance and transportation fees. OSL seeks financing for a reliable pre-owned bus estimated at $50,000.
Opportunities to Join Us as a Partner
Quality early learning grows through collaboration. OSL’s founders contributed the building and grounds; you can help sustain and expand the program through funding, expertise, volunteering, research, or capital support. Your involvement can expand learning opportunities in Entumbil and create visible social impact. Learn more in the 2025–2029 OSL Strategic Plan.
OSL’s goals align with Canada’s international assistance priorities by helping rural children, especially girls, build literacy, confidence, and opportunity. Supporting families facing financial barriers helps children and communities thrive.
Choose How You’d Like to Help
- Support staff training that strengthens early childhood education, healthy brain and social development, literacy, and readiness for adolescence and beyond.
- Make a general donation to support all areas of early literacy.
- Fund teacher and staff salaries, educational materials, electronics, sanitation, or landscaping.
- Support high-priority capital needs, including playground structures and a school van.
- Contribute professional expertise, research, volunteer service, or partnership opportunities.
- Designate a donation to a specific area of the early childhood learning program.
OSL is pleased to recognize sponsors and partners through print, media, and community activities. Donations receive tax receipts. However you choose to take part, your support will be warmly welcomed and deeply valued.
“Play elevates talent and abilities.” — John Hagan
Activities and Key Performance Indicators
- Acquire a school van or bus by 2027 to replace the aging five passenger vehicle that currently makes eight daily trips and breaks down regularly.
- Establish pen-pal relationships between OSL and Canadian daycares by 2028.
- Partner with two institutions for student or volunteer placements at the Ghana daycare by 2028.
- Deliver six collaborator presentations and publish six newsletters by 2027.
- Continue adjusting daily attendance fees toward the sustainability target by 2027.
- Maintain University of Cape Coast early childhood training for staff.
- Enhance the children’s learning garden.
- Secure grants to hire engagement staff focused on strategic philanthropy.
Literacy Outcomes
Together, we can help more children access learning materials, support educators in building their skills, strengthen bilingual STEAM learning, and prepare children for a confident transition to primary school. OSL expects to see measurable growth in vocabulary and literacy within one year.
