In 2001, GHEI’s co-founder, Dr. Diana Rickard, visited Ghana as a medical student to study the accessibility and quality of available healthcare services. During her visits, she worked hand-in-hand with local health professionals in both urban and rural health facilities, which is when she came to know the communities of the Bibiani-Anhwiawso-Bekwai Municipality in the Western North region of Ghana.
During her initial visits, she met Clement Donkor, the then assemblyman of Humjibre, who as a lifelong resident of this community provided an in-depth understanding to the context of rural livelihoods, the educational systems and healthcare. It was this meeting that was the impetus for the Ghana Health and Education Initiative (GHEI).
Timeline
2001
GHEI’s co-founder Dr. Diana Rickard visited Ghana as a medical student and met Clement Donkor, Humjibre's then assemblyman, who offered to locally spearhead projects.
2003
Project work starts with a reproductive health program and the Youth Education Program to teach junior high school students in an after-school program.
2007
Additional library space is needed, so a larger library is built, along with a classroom.
2012
In partnership with UCLA's pediatric program, GHEI begins neonatal resuscitation trainings in the BAB Municipality, and launches a program to encourage women to deliver at health facilities.
2019
GHEI proudly unveils a logo for the Summer Serve and Learn Program. Designed and created by Sachit Shyam, the design philosophy of the symbol has ethos inspired by Adinkra symbols. Inspired by nature it represents the symbiosis of the sun and the earth coming together to serve communities and bring a change.
2002
A needs assessment was conducted in Humjibre to determine if there was a gap in services to this community. The result was clear and GHEI was established to provide educational and health services to the people of Humjibre and surrounding communities.
2004
Construction of the Community Center is completed, a small library is opened, summer volunteer programs are launched, and Clement becomes GHEI's first full time employee.
2009
The Malaria Prevention Program is expanded to two additional villages; the Early Childhood Literacy program is launched; library collection triples to over 4,000 books.
2016
The Mother Mentor for Child Development Program launches.
2020
In partnership with One Day's Wages, GHEI launches a COVID-19 emergency response program in 15 rural communities to save lives and mitigate the threat of COVID-19 for vulnerable populations in the BAB Municipality
GHEI Logo
The GHEI logo was created using Adinkra symbols, originally developed by the Asantes in Ghana during the 19th century. Each traditional symbol represents an aspect of life on which the organization focuses.
Nkyinkyim
(Twistings)
Symbol of initiative, versatility and resilience
Dame-Dame
(Draught)
Symbol of intelligence and ingenuity
Fihankra
(Compound House)
Symbol of security
and safety