Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBEEducational Resilience Foundation
Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBEWe advance education by recognising and supporting students who demonstrate exceptional resilience, character, service, and commitment to learning — particularly those who rise despite adversity.
A UK-based educational foundation advancing education across Ghana through the recognition of resilience, character, and service — established in partnership with Achimota School, with a vision to expand to schools nationwide.
The Foundation was created on a profound conviction: the students most deserving of recognition are not those who faced the fewest obstacles — but those who faced the most, and rose anyway.
We honour students who face adversity and choose, every day, to rise with dignity and determination.
Integrity, humility, and ethical conduct — qualities that endure long after academic results have faded.
A commitment to giving back to peers, school, and community — without expectation of reward.
Sustained personal development maintained with purpose and courage despite difficult circumstances.
"Achimota gave each of us something extraordinary. This award is my way of ensuring that gift continues to be passed forward — to the students who need it most, and who carry the Achimotan spirit in its truest and most courageous form."
Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi is a proud Akora, a civic leader, and a recipient of His Majesty's honour for services to local government and community service.
Established in partnership with Achimota School — one of West Africa's most distinguished schools — with the inaugural award to be presented at its historic Centenary Year of 2027.
"Per Ardua ad Astra. Through adversity to the stars. It is not just a motto — it is a promise we make to every student who keeps going, even when the path is hardest."Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBE KStG — Founder & Patron
Franklin Owusu-Antwi, McCarthy House, Achimota School, c.1993
A UK-based educational foundation rooted in the belief that the most courageous act a young person can perform is to keep learning — no matter what life places in front of them.
Bearing the mottos Rise Despite Adversity and Per Ardua ad Astra — representing the values and enduring mission at the heart of our work.
The Foundation was established by Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBE KStG — a proud Akora, civic leader, and firm believer in the transformative power of education. Shaped by his own experiences and by the formation he received at Achimota School, the Founder created this Foundation to ensure that the young people who fight hardest to keep learning — despite the odds — are seen, celebrated, and supported.
Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBE KStG is a South Gloucestershire councillor, community leader, and proud alumnus of Achimota School. He received the MBE from His Majesty The King for services to local government and community service.
As a Knight of the Order of St George (KStG), a British Army Veteran, a former Deputy Mayor of Bradley Stoke Town, and a former Chair of Council at South Gloucestershire Council, he has dedicated his public life to advocating for communities who face barriers to opportunity. The Foundation is the culmination of that lifelong commitment — a legacy institution designed to outlast its founder and inspire future generations of Achimotans.
Founded in 1927, Achimota School is one of the most distinguished secondary schools in West Africa and the inaugural partner for this Award — motto Ut Omnes Unum Sint (That All May Be One). The Foundation is partnered with Achimota School, with the inaugural award to be presented at the Centenary Ceremony in November 2027.
Formally constituted in the United Kingdom.
Deed of Establishment Ref: FOA-MBE/CHARTER/2026/001 — award established in perpetuity.
Proposed five-year partnership with Achimota School — the inaugural partner school.
Inaugural nomination window opens for staff at partner schools across Ghana.
Inaugural recipient honoured at the Centenary Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony.
An annual award of distinction launching at Achimota School in 2027, with a vision to extend to schools across Ghana.
The Selection Committee looks for evidence of five qualities — each assessed through a detailed written nomination from a member of staff who knows the student well.
Facing personal, social, family, or financial adversity — and choosing, repeatedly, to persevere with dignity.
Integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of school and community life, even under pressure.
Contributing to peers, school, or community — not because it is required, but because it is right.
Sustained, deliberate commitment to personal growth and academic development despite circumstances.
Evidence that the student's example has positively influenced those around them.
Bespoke engraved trophy/plaque presented at the school's Prize-Giving Ceremony.
Signed by the Founder and the Head of the recipient's school.
A support award to advance the recipient’s continued education, development and growth, confirmed annually by the Foundation.
A personal mentorship session with experts from the Foundation, conducted with full safeguarding in place.
Permanent inscription on the Foundation Roll of Honour, maintained in perpetuity across all partner schools.
Staff receive official forms from the School Coordinator.
Sealed, confidential forms submitted to the School Coordinator.
School Coordinator submits pack to the Foundation's Selection Committee.
Chaired by the Founder. Decision is final, independent, and confidential.
Recipient honoured at the Centenary Speech and Prize-Giving Ceremony.
"This award is not for the student who had it easy. It is for the student who had it hard — and whose response to that hardship made them extraordinary."Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBE KStG — Founding Charter, 2026
The Foundation's work is made possible by the generosity of individuals, organisations, and alumni who believe that resilience deserves recognition.
Your donation funds the educational support award, plaque, certificate, and mentorship programme. Every contribution makes a direct and lasting difference.
Online donations launching soon — click to find out more
Help us extend the Foundation's reach to more schools, more students, and more communities. Sponsorship packages available.
Serve as a mentor, Selection Committee member, event supporter, or community ambassador. Your time is as valuable as any financial contribution.
If you are a staff member at a Foundation partner school — nominate the student who embodies this award. Forms available from 1 May 2027.
To every Old Achimotan reading this — you know what the school gave you. This Foundation is an invitation to pass that forward. We warmly invite the OAA and all Akoras worldwide to support and champion this Centenary legacy.
"Achimota gave each of us something extraordinary. This award is my way of ensuring that gift continues to be passed forward — to the students who need it most."Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBE KStG
Whether you are a prospective donor, a school staff member, a fellow Akora, or simply want to know more — please reach out.
South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom · Est. 2026 · Registered Foundation
All nomination enquiries should be directed to the Foundation's School Liaison. Nomination forms will be available from partner schools from April 2027. For enquiries: 1 May 2027. Deadline: 31 July 2027.
"Per Ardua ad Astra. Through adversity to the stars. It is a promise we make to every student who keeps going, even when the path is hardest."Councillor Franklin Owusu-Antwi MBE KStG — Founder & Patron
Franklin Owusu-Antwi, McCarthy House, Achimota School, c.1993
Every contribution — however large or small — funds the educational grants, plaque, certificate, and mentorship programme that recognise students who rise despite adversity.
We are setting up our secure online donation facility. When live, you will be able to make a one-off or recurring donation directly to the Foundation using any major credit or debit card.
All donations go directly to funding the Award — including the educational support award, the commemorative plaque, the Award Certificate, and the mentorship programme.
Would you like to be notified when our donation facility goes live?
Email us at info@risedespiteadversity.orgwith the subject line "Donation — notify me" and we will be in touch as soon as it is ready.
100% of donations go directly to the Award programme. The costs of the educational support award, commemorative plaque, Award Certificate, and mentorship sessions are borne entirely by the Foundation. No portion is retained for administration.