Today we’d like to introduce you to Godwill Tandoh.
Hi Godwill, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My Journey: Empowering Dreams, Transforming Communities
I was born and raised in Ghana in the 1980s, as the third of six siblings, to middle-class parents by Ghanaian standards. Mostly because my dad owned one small automobile and not much else. My parents worked tirelessly to provide all of us with access to quality education. Despite neither of them having college degrees themselves, they made it their life’s mission to sacrifice everything—their time, energy, and savings—to ensure that each of us had the opportunity to pursue a college education. Their dedication to our future shaped the foundation of who I am today, instilling in me a deep commitment to giving others the same opportunity to thrive.
Growing up, I loved playing soccer and taught myself to play the piano. I was an avid reader, often lost in comic books and sci-fi stories, and developed a strong passion for technology. This interest in tech led me to pursue a degree in technology systems at Utah State University, after spending some years at Brigham Young University-Idaho, nearly seventeen years ago.
Four years ago, with help from my mother, my dear friend Sheila, my cousin Thelma, and others, we founded Dreamers Wish Foundation with one mission—to ensure that children in rural Ghana have access to quality education. My mother walked this journey with me, standing by my side every step of the way. She was my greatest supporter, my strength, and my inspiration. Even as she passed away this year, her dream continues to live on. Her vision became my mission: Empowering dreams, transforming communities.
Because of her unwavering selflessness, over 8,000 young dreamers now have the resources to pursue a brighter future. Through our work, we’ve provided access to STEAM education, trained teachers, built classrooms, and empowered students with the tools they need to dream beyond their circumstances.
Our Impact through STEAM Education:
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, and it is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in a fast-evolving world. At Dreamers Wish Foundation, we believe in the power of STEAM to unlock creativity, drive innovation, and prepare young people for success in the global economy. We’ve been able to make a significant impact through various initiatives, all aimed at empowering the next generation:
1. STEM Robotics Teacher and Student Training
We’ve provided specialized training in robotics for both teachers and students, helping them develop the skills to engage with cutting-edge technology. This not only inspires young learners to pursue careers in technology but also sets the stage for future innovation in their communities.
2. Feminine Hygiene Kits with Reusable Sanitary Pads
One of the barriers many girls face in rural areas is the inability to attend school during their period weeks due to lack of proper hygiene products. To combat this, we’ve distributed feminine hygiene kits with sanitary pads. To make this sustainable we are working with the Days for Girls Foundation to take reusable sanitary pads to girls this year. These kits give girls the confidence to stay in school, ensuring they don’t miss out on their education during critical weeks.
3. Setting Up STEAM Innovation Centers
We’ve established STEAM Innovation Centers that serve as hubs for creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. These centers are equipped with technology and resources that allow students to explore all aspects of STEAM education, fostering a generation of innovators who will change their communities.
4. Painted Inspirational Murals of Hope
To encourage students to dream big and aim high, we’ve painted inspirational murals on school walls. These murals serve as daily reminders that their potential is limitless, inspiring students to believe in themselves and their futures.
Strategic Partnerships:
We strategically partnered with the leading STEM and robotics organization with over 10 years of success in Ghana, Bountiful Technologies and Bountiful STEM Foundation, who have offered their staff and expertise to help reach our goal of serving over 100,000 kids in rural villages in the Volta Region.
Additional Impact Highlights:
25 Classroom Refurbishments
We’ve refurbished 25 classrooms, transforming them into environments that foster learning. The improved spaces help students concentrate better, leading to enhanced academic performance.
Installed 1 Playground
The installation of a playground has not only provided a safe place for recreation but also contributed to a 25% increase in school attendance and retention. Physical activity fosters teamwork, resilience, and overall well-being, making students more engaged in their learning.
Trained Teachers
Through teacher training programs, we’ve enhanced the quality of teaching in the schools we support. These improvements have led to a 20% increase in the quality of teaching, giving students better guidance and support in their education.
Empowered Students with Life Skills
We’ve empowered students with critical life skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which are essential for success both in school and in their future careers.
Provided Essential Learning Resources
In addition to classroom refurbishments, we’ve ensured that students have the resources they need to succeed, including textbooks, educational technology, and supplies that promote a hands-on learning experience.
The Journey Continues:
Today, my two beautiful children and partner reside in West Valley, Utah, where our foundation is based. But I have not walked this path alone—my partner, Ainsley, has been the backbone of my support, and my children continue to inspire me every day to push forward. We have also been blessed with an incredible community of volunteers and supporters in Utah who have helped make this journey possible. Their dedication has tremendously helped transform lives, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Our vision has extended beyond Ghana. We believe that with 21st-century skills, young people can solve local problems, create high-earning jobs, and break the cycle of poverty in rural communities across Africa—starting with Ghana. This vision has expanded to Kenya, where we have also adopted a school in Watamu, a community facing similar challenges to those in the North Tongu District. Through an invitation from an immigrant refugee family who once lived in a rural community in Kenya, we extended our hearts to over 2,000 children with significant challenges in the village. Our classroom refurbishment, provision of educational resources, and teaching ICT skills to teachers have made a real difference, giving hope and inspiration to these kids and changing their futures.
I believe that blessings find their fullest meaning when they are shared, illuminating the lives of others. With over 100,000 career opportunities in STEAM globally, we hold the power to equip young minds, break the cycle of poverty, and unlock Africa’s vast potential.
But this is more than just my story—it is a movement. A movement to empower dreams, transform communities, and create lasting change. Together, we can turn hope into opportunity, dreams into reality, and a single act of service into a ripple that touches generations. The journey continues, and I invite you to be a part of it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Top 5 Challenges Faced by Dreamers Wish Foundation
1️⃣ Limited Resources & Infrastructure
-Schools lack electricity, internet, and modern learning facilities.
-Inadequate funding restricts access to textbooks, technology, and classroom materials.
our solution:
✅ Refurbished 25 classrooms to create safe and inspiring learning environments.
✅ Installed 1 playground, improving school attendance and retention by 25%.
2️⃣ Teacher Shortages & Training Deficiencies
-Rural areas struggle to attract and retain qualified STEAM educators.
-Limited professional development leaves teachers underprepared for modern curricula.
our solution:
✅ Trained teachers in STEAM and ICT, improving teaching quality by 20%.
✅ Providing STEAM robotics training for both students and teachers to enhance skills.
3️⃣ Cultural & Socioeconomic Barriers
-Economic hardships force many students, especially girls, to drop out early.
-Stigma around menstrual health leads to missed school days for girls.
our solution:
✅ Distributed feminine hygiene kits with reusable sanitary pads, empowering girls to stay in school during their periods.
✅ Teaching life skills to equip students with tools for success beyond academics.
4️⃣ Limited Access to Technology
-Few schools have computers, robotics kits, or internet access for STEAM learning.
-Students lack digital literacy skills needed for the modern workforce.
our solution:
✅ Setting up STEAM innovation centers to provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
✅ Providing essential learning resources, including books, laptops, and digital tools.
5️⃣ Insufficient Government Funding & Policy Support
-Education budgets often overlook rural schools, leaving them underfunded.
-Policy gaps limit support for STEM/STEAM programs and teacher incentives.
Our solution:
✅ Partnering with organizations to supplement funding and resources for underserved schools.
✅ Engaging with local education leaders to advocate for improved policies supporting rural
Currently
Through these initiatives, over 8,000 children now have access to better education, empowering them to dream beyond their circumstances! Our goal is to double this reach this year.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my role as Relationship Manager at Intellipay, I specialize in building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, ensuring that their needs are met, and delivering tailored payment solutions that drive their business success. My expertise lies in understanding complex client requirements, offering strategic solutions, and providing exceptional customer service. I am known for my ability to bridge communication between technical teams and clients, simplifying complex concepts and making them accessible to non-technical stakeholders. This skill has been pivotal in developing trust and ensuring that clients feel confident and supported in their partnership with Intellipay.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to understanding my clients’ businesses and aligning our payment solutions with their strategic goals. I am highly solution-oriented and focus on creating value for both the client and the company. What I’m most proud of is the ability to build long-lasting partnerships that not only grow revenue but also drive innovation within the payment sector. My approach, which blends relationship-building with a strong focus on problem-solving and personalized service, has been key to my success. Additionally, my background in finance and dedication to continuous learning enables me to adapt to new challenges, bringing fresh ideas and solutions to the table.
How do you define success?
Success, to me, is defined by the lasting impact we make on the lives of others and the positive changes we inspire, both in my professional role and through the mission of Dreamers Wish Foundation. In my professional life, success is not only about achieving business goals but also about building meaningful relationships, fostering trust, and providing solutions that empower clients to grow and thrive. It’s about creating value that extends beyond transactions and leaves a tangible, enduring legacy of partnership and innovation.
In the context of Dreamers Wish Foundation, success is measured by the transformative power of education, the number of lives changed, and the communities uplifted. It’s about breaking barriers and empowering children, especially in underserved communities, to pursue their dreams through STEAM education. Success for me is also about sustainability—ensuring that the programs and initiatives we create continue to have a positive ripple effect for generations. Whether through my work at Intellipay or my contributions to the foundation, success is about aligning purpose with action, making a meaningful difference, and creating a legacy of empowerment, growth, and opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dreamerswishfoundation.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamerswishfoundation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dreamers-Wish-Foundation-100299405679275
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamers-wish-foundation/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeAreDWF
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-l9Jjqx6bAmJ-0-qecCphA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dreamers-wish-foundation-west-valley-city
