Charity Amoa Memorial School wins 2026 BMAF competition

Charity Amoa Memorial School has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Build Me a Future (BMAF) competition, securing a cash prize of GH₵5,000. The school earned the top spot for its creative presentation on developing child-friendly communities, an initiative designed to elevate the voices of young people in urban planning and social development. Organized by the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development (CLCD), the event highlighted the capacity of children to contribute meaningful ideas toward the improvement of their immediate environments.

The competition saw Angel Grace Assemblies of God School take the second position, receiving GH₵4,000 for their efforts, while Rev. Dunwell Methodist Primary School secured the third place. Each participating institution was tasked with envisioning and presenting a community layout that prioritizes the safety, education, and recreational needs of children. By providing a platform for these students, the CLCD aimed to bridge the gap between adult-led policymaking and the lived experiences of the youth who are often the primary users of community spaces.

Of the fifteen schools initially targeted for the program, eight successfully submitted entries for final consideration. The submissions were rigorously assessed based on their creativity, clarity of vision, and the feasibility of the child-friendly concepts presented. The organizers noted that the competition serves as a critical tool for empowerment, encouraging children to recognize their roles as active citizens capable of influencing local development efforts and articulating their needs to stakeholders.

The BMAF competition underscores a growing movement to integrate inclusive perspectives into development strategies. By engaging schools in such practical exercises, the Centre for Learning and Childhood Development hopes to foster a generation of leaders who understand the importance of community-centric design and participatory governance. The initiative not only rewards academic and creative excellence but also prepares students to engage with policymakers on issues that directly affect their well-being and future.