The humanitarian, empowerment, and advocacy activities of Deaconess Francisca Maame Koma Addo, as part of her mission to transform the world and change the lives of the vulnerable, have caught the attention of policymakers and philanthropists, earning her the title of the world’s Most Outstanding Child Education Advocate of the Year 2024.
Maame Koma Addo received the prestigeous award at the Humanitarian Award Global held recently at La Palm Royal Hotel in Accra.
Upon receiving the award, Deaconess Maame Koma spoke passionately about the need for collective responsibility in ensuring that every child has access to quality education, saying, ‘Education is not just a privilege; it’s a right. When we invest in our children, we invest in a brighter, more equitable future for all.’
Deaconess Francisca Maame Koma Addo viewed her recognition as the Most Outstanding Child Education Advocate in the world not just as a personal triumph, but as a symbol of a movement towards educational equity. Her story inspires others to join the fight, proving that with determination and compassion, one person can indeed change the world, one child at a time.
In an interview with Pent News, Deaconess Francisca Maame Koma Addo, who fellowships at Ashiyie District in the Amrahia Area of The Church of Pentecost and hosts the ‘Sɔ W’awareɛ Mu Yie’ talk show on CaCl TV, indicated that growing up in a low-income neighbourhood, she witnessed firsthand the struggles that children face when resources are limited and dreams are often deferred.
According to her, she has dedicated her life to dismantling the barriers that prevent underprivileged children from accessing quality education and technology. This personal experience ignited a fire within her, compelling her to act.
She acknowledged the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, and the leadership of the church for the ‘Possessing the Nations’ agenda, which has increased her burning desire to reach out to vulnerable children.
Through her NGO, Maame Koma Foundation, she initiated and implemented an innovative educational programme dubbed ‘Learn To Thrive,’ which focuses on interactive learning and the emotional well-being of children. Her approach emphasises not only academic success but also the importance of nurturing and improving a child’s cognitive processes, psychological stability, and mental health.
Deaconess Francisca Maame Koma believes that education should not solely revolve around textbooks; it should cultivate curiosity, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills.
Her educational initiative, which offers after-school tutoring, mentorship, coaching, counseling, and access to technology, bridges the digital divide that often leaves disadvantaged students behind. This programme has reached thousands of children across underserved communities in Ghana. She has also included workshops for parents, empowering families to support their children’s educational journeys.
Report by Joshua Asamoah Darko