Francisca Arhinful

Advancing Education, Opportunity & Youth Transitions | Founder, SMOTHEC | Education Policy, Research & Youth Development | MasterCard Foundation Scholar, Cambridge University (CAMFED Ghana Alumna)

United Kingdom

About

Education changed the trajectory of my life, and that experience continues to shape everything I do today. I have experienced firsthand how access to education, mentorship, and opportunity can transform confidence, expand possibilities, and alter the course of a person's future. My own journey was made possible through the support of CAMFED and the Mastercard Foundation, and those experiences continue to fuel my commitment to expanding opportunities for young people. I work at the intersection of education, research, youth development, and social impact. Through my professional work and as the Founder of SMOTHEC (Smooth Transition Help Center), I support young people to navigate critical transitions, upskill, and thrive. Through training, mentorship, and digital skills development initiatives, I have trained and supported over 2,500 young people, equipping them with practical skills, confidence, and the tools needed to pursue educational, professional, and entrepreneurial opportunities. As I complete my MPhil in Education Policy, Leadership and Improvement at the University of Cambridge as a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, my research and professional interests continue to evolve at the intersection of education policy, youth development, technology, equity, and social transformation. I am particularly fascinated by how education shapes individual life trajectories, how mentorship influences confidence and aspirations, how young people navigate transitions, and how systems create or remove pathways to opportunity and how communities can be transformed through learning. These questions sit at the heart of both my research and professional practice and continue to inform my work. Increasingly, I am interested in how emerging technologies, climate-related challenges, and policy decisions are reshaping education systems, influencing youth transitions, and creating new opportunities and challenges for communities around the world. If our interests align, I'd love to connect and explore how we can create meaningful impact together. Email: [email protected] | Or send me a direct message.

Experience

  • Graduate Student at Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge
    Oct 2025 - Present · 10 mos

  • Founder and Director at SMOTHEC - SMOOTH TRANSITION HELP CENTER
    Jun 2020 - Apr 2026 · 5 yrs 11 mos

  • Digital Marketing Fellow at Blossom Academy
    Feb 2025 - May 2025 · 4 mos

    I was a member of Blossom Academy's first digital marketing cohort, proudly sponsored by the Internet Society Foundation through the Strengthening Communities, Improving Livelihoods (SCIL) initiative

  • Teaching Assistant at University of Ghana
    Nov 2023 - Oct 2024 · 1 yr

    As a University Teaching Assistant, I provided dedicated support to a lecturer, enhancing both classroom dynamics and administrative efficiency. My responsibilities included: Report Writing: Prepared detailed reports on student progress and course outcomes, equipping the lecturer with insights for targeted instructional improvements. Exam Preparation: Assisted in drafting provisional exam questions, ensuring alignment with course objectives and maintaining academic integrity. Academic Record Management: Cross-checked students’ academic records to uphold grading accuracy and support seamless administrative processes. Lecture Presentation Support: Managed lecture presentations and technical setups, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for students. Student Assistance: Responded to student inquiries, offering guidance on assignments, course materials, and other academic concerns. Working closely with the lecturer allowed me to develop a strong skill set in report writing, data management, and classroom facilitation, contributing meaningfully to the learning experience for students

  • Learner Support Specialist at ALX GHANA
    Apr 2024 - Aug 2024 · 5 mos