Ghana is situated in West Africa, one of the poorest regions in the world. 30% of Ghana's population live in extreme poverty on less than US $1.25 per day (The World Bank). Poor access to medical and educational provisions, especially in rural areas, result in many people leading challenging lives. In addition a youth unemployment rate of 25.3% (Ghana Statistical Service) makes it difficult for young people to escape the poverty cycle. Theatre for a Change aims to empower marginalised groups, especially young people, with the knowledge, awareness and skills to positively transform their lives.

Theatre for a Change was founded in Ghana in 2003, with a focus on decreasing the rate of HIV amongst at-risk groups. At the time, HIV/AIDS prevalence was estimated at 4% and approximately 30,000 Ghanaians were dying of the illness each year according to the United National Program on HIV/AIDS.

Since then the country has shown strong signs of economic development. With greater education, the HIV rate in Ghana has declined considerably, and is currently estimated to be 1.8% (UNAIDS). Nonetheless, not all Ghanaians are benefiting from the country's development. We work with some of the poorest communities in Ghana, ensuring that those who still face extreme poverty are empowered to make changes.

Find out more about some of our current projects

As a result of the declining rate of HIV, we have been able to broaden our strategic focus in Ghana to community based projects which deal with sexual and reproductive health and gender and sexual rights. From in-school theatre workshops and a community theatre centre for at-risk young people, to our fistula awareness program and gender rights workshop for sex workers, our projects use highly innovative participatory methods to improve the lives of participants.

• Banking on Behavioural Change - In-school program

  In partnership with Barclay's Bank, Theatre for a Change has devised a special in-school education programme combining issues of sexual and reproductive health and gender rights and how these can be assisted through good financial management. The programme currently runs in over 60 schools within 4 regions of Ghana and has touched the lives of tens of thousands of school-aged children. read more of 'Banking on Behavioural Change - In-school program'…

• Obstetric Fistula Education

  Obstetric fistula is a severe medical condition which develops after a woman gives birth and often results in severe stigmatisation and spousal abuse. In partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, Theatre for a Change is working with medical centres in the central region of Ghana to educate people on the causes and risks of obstetric fistula. read more of 'Obstetric Fistula Education'…

• Livelihood Training in Amasaman

  The Ga West Municipality is one of the most economically marginalised in Accra and unemployment is high, especially among youth. With the support of the Netherlands based Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation, Theatre for a Change developed a series of behavioural change workshops made up of young people and recent school-leavers (18-30) from this community. read more of 'Livelihood Training in Amasaman'…

• James Town Community Theatre Centre

  James Town is one of Accra's oldest but most economically disadvantaged areas. Since 2003, Theatre for a Change has been working to transform the lives of children in the area with participatory behaviour change workshops, advocacy performances and support programmes. Finally in June 2012, Theatre for a Change (with the help of Act for Change and Synergy UK) opened a purpose-renovated community theatre space. read more of 'James Town Community Theatre Centre'…

• The Old Fadama Peace and Love Club

  Old Fadama is an informal settlement in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Some women resort to sex work as a way of finding an income for themselves and their families. Over the course of one year, we intend to take 10-15 female sex workers through a series of drama and improvisational workshops to build their confidence, teach them about sexual and reproductive health and train them in other means of livelihood. read more of 'The Old Fadama Peace and Love Club'…