Brightlingsea Academy
Headteacher, Ben Antwi is a groundbreaking leader of the Brightlingsea Academy.
His vision continues to drive the school to new heights and greater achievements. He leads a team of 25 employees incorporating: teachers, cooks, a social worker, a nurse and a driver/caretaker who have the dedication, passion and inspiration to make Brightlingsea Academy a place of happiness, stability, safety, refuge to provide a well rounded education to their students.
Our Founder
Jemma
In 2009 I spent a life-changing year in Ghana as a volunteer teacher. Back in Brightlingsea, Essex, I missed Ghana deeply and have returned more than twenty times since. The country’s energy and the generosity of its people drew me back. I fell in love with Ghana.
I founded Porridge and Pens with a simple idea: if a child has a bowl of food and a place at school, life can start to change. Our work is practical and local in Kumasi. At Brightlingsea Academy, children learn without the weight of hunger or fear. Girls receive what keeps them in class—two meals a day, menstrual products, textbooks, and regular health checks—and when crisis hits, short-term boarding means they don’t lose weeks of learning. Through Girl Power Foundation we back mothers with small grants and mentoring, because when a mum’s income is steady, a child’s education is steadier. We listen to families and fix what’s in front of us—from safer routes to school to small changes that make a big difference.
Our staff in Ghana
Claudia
Hi there! I’m Claudia Durowaa Opoku-Mensah. Director, Girl Power Foundation. I am very passionate about the female gender.
I am of the strong belief that girls deserve the same opportunities as their male counterparts. I believe in giving my all in championing this course hence my career path. I believe the star is just the starting point for Girl Power!
Raymond
Hi there! I’m Raymond Assan, the Startup Project Manager at Girl Power Foundation — and honestly, I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with aspiring entrepreneurs, helping turn great ideas into real, thriving businesses. From scouting and assessing business plans to mentoring beneficiaries and supporting their growth, I’m all about making things happen (and making sure the numbers make sense too!).
I hold a BSc in Business Administration (Accounting) and I’m currently pursuing an MSc in Accounting and Finance — because I believe that the more I grow, the more impact I can make. I’m deeply passionate about financial transparency, sustainable growth, and empowering others through smart, ethical finance. If it involves budgets, strategies, or spreadsheets with purpose, count me in!
Outside of work, I’m probably watching a good movie, cheering for my favorite football team (yes, loudly), or diving into a great book. Life’s about balance, right?
Shadrack
I am Shadrack Dome, I wear many hats at Girl Power. I am the transport officer, in house farm manager in charge of catfish farm business and also oversees the building project from time to time.
I believe in helping make life easy for others. I enjoy what I do at Girl Power!
Peter
Peter Manu Osei is a passionate visual storyteller and media creative with a flair for photography, filmmaking, and design.
As the Head of Media at The Girl Power Foundation, he uses his skills to amplify impact-driven stories through compelling visuals. With a background in Publishing Studies from KNUST and recognition from platforms like Vogue Portugal, Peter brings a unique blend of creativity, leadership, and technical expertise to every project he touches.
Mary
Mary Cobbina is a dedicated and passionate Ghanaian educator with a Bachelor of Education from the Seventh-Day Adventist College of Education in Agona.
Born in Akosombo and fluent in both English and Twi, Mary is committed to making a positive impact in the field of education. She has demonstrated strong leadership qualities through her roles as Hall President and Hall Prefect and is known for her excellent communication skills, teamwork, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. With a background in Home Economics and a deep-rooted Christian faith, Mary brings compassion, discipline, and a learner-centered approach to her profession.
Erica
Erica Yeboah Nketiah serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Girl Power Foundation for the Girl Power Project. In this capacity, she is instrumental in ensuring that the project's programs are both effective and accountable, while promoting continuous improvement. With a passion for using meaningful insights to drive change, she helps the foundation stay focused on what truly matters, empowering girls and transforming lives.
Non Teaching Staff
Nsiah Berchie Ferdinard
Nsiah Berchie Ferdinard was born on 5th February, 1997. He comes from Bonwire. He is an S.H.S graduate with WASSCE certificate. He is the school bursar. He joined the Brightlingsea staff three years ago. He has interest and passion for sports.
Ambrose Asare Mensah
Ambrose Asare Mensah was born on 9th August, 2005. He comes from Asonomaso. He is an S.H.S graduate with WASSCE certificate. He teaches Information Communication Technology (I CT) in Basic 1, 2 and 3. Then also he doubles as the school driver. He joined the Brightlingsea staff three years ago. He has interest and passion for sports.
Emmanuel Ntiamoah Owusu
Emmanuel Ntiamoah Owusu was born on 25th May, 1997. He comes from Ejisu Onwe. He is a H.N.D holder in Commercial Arts (Graphics design). He is the start-up Manager. He joined the Brightlingsea staff year ago. He has interest and passion for sports.
Asamoah Mariam
Asamoah Mariam. She was born on 4th April, 1989. She comes from Effiduase Asokore in the Ashanti region. She is an S.H.S graduate with WASSCE certificate. She is the school attendant. She joined the Brightlingsea staff eight years ago. She has interest and passion for music.
Grace Bandam
Grace was born on 25th May, 1997. She comes from Kintampo in the Bono region of Ghana. She is the main school cook. She joined the Brightlingsea staff three years ago. She has interest and passion for music.
Sadia Musah
Sadia Musah was born on 21st May, 1984. She comes from Bawku in the Northern region of Ghana. She is the assistant school cook. She joined the Brightlingsea staff two years ago. She has interest and passion for sport.
Ebenezer Asare
Ebenezer Asare was born on 8th August, 1985. He comes from Assin Fosu. He is the school security. He joined the Brightlingsea staff a year ago. He has interest and passion for sports.
Olivia Yeboah
Olivia Yeboah was born on 4th March, 1999. She comes from Assin Fosu. She holds certificate in nursing. She is the school nurse. She joined the Brightlingsea staff two years ago. She has interest and passion for caring for the sick
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Porridge and Pens © 2015 –
UK Registered Charity No. 1166497
1 Chapman Close,
Brightlingsea
Essex CO7 0FS
