At Peace First, we recognize that for too long, the changemaking narrative has celebrated solo leaders—the iconic figures whose passion and determination drive change. But the truth is, no changemaker works alone. Every transformative action is supported by the unseen hands of a community—those who share their wisdom, resources, and encouragement to sustain the effort.
We, too, have been complicit in promoting this individualistic view. But today, we’re committed to changing that story. We believe that real, lasting impact is born not from isolated efforts, but from ecosystems of support. Changemaking thrives when individuals come together—sharing ideas, amplifying each other’s voices, and fostering resilience through collective action.
That’s why we are proud to launch our Changemaking Communities initiative—a bold step to create environments where changemakers of all ages and backgrounds can thrive together. These communities are not just spaces; they are engines of collaboration, designed to cultivate shared values, foster intergenerational mentorship, and inspire collective responsibility for creating a better world.
We know that changemaking begins with creating environments where individuals can thrive together. That’s why we’re proud to launch the Ghana School Project, our inaugural effort to transform a local school into a beacon of collective impact. This initiative represents the heart of our new vision—investing in individual leaders and the ecosystems that nurture them.
Nestled in the vibrant coastal community of Teshie-Nungua, Downsview International School has stood as a cornerstone of hope and opportunity for over three decades. Built by the dedication and love of Mr. and Mrs. Akoto—affectionately known as “Grandpa and Grandma”—the school embodies the spirit of community care, fostering a nurturing, family-like environment where children can grow and dream, even in the face of adversity.
With the Ghana School Project, we’re taking the next step in ensuring that changemaking is woven into the fabric of everyday life, starting with schools. Through this initiative, we aim to address structural challenges, break down financial barriers, and create a model of resilience and collaboration that can inspire similar efforts worldwide.
Changemaking is about more than ideas—it’s about action. That’s why we’ve created the Changemaking in Action Grant, an initiative designed to empower young leaders to take ownership of impactful projects in their communities while gaining invaluable real-world experience. This grant equips recipients with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to lead, learn, and grow as they contribute to meaningful changemaking efforts.
We’re proud to introduce Kenndicta Ajene, the driving force behind our Ghana School Project. As our Project Manager, Kenndicta is not only shaping the success of this initiative but also deepening her own changemaking journey. Through this grant, she’s gaining hands-on leadership experience and building a foundation of skills that will strengthen her impact far beyond this project.Kenndicta’s work embodies what it means to be a changemaker in action—leading with purpose, creating solutions, and inspiring others. We’re excited to support her as she helps transform the Ghana School Project into a thriving changemaking community.