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These are most of the individual children we've have helped stay in school in 2016, in one way or another (a few of the little guys in blue uniforms couldn't be rounded up for the pic!). Fifteen of these students were in vocational school, learning needed trades. Dozens more were helped by library programs, school building renovations, dormitory hosting, new toilets, information technologies, and workshops. |
Dear Friends,
We’ve had a good year! On behalf of ourselves, our
Ghanaian colleagues, and the many children we've helped, we give sincere thanks
to all of you financial, in-kind, and “hard-work” investors!
Please click HERE for our Annual Update Letter (if you haven't already seen it!)
...and HERE for News Updates with photos
Now we're focusing on 2017.
We and our friends in Axim have agreed to focus most of our
efforts and resources in 2017 on getting and keeping Axim kids in school.
Here's why:
--Although Ghana has made great strides, and provides tuition-free education through junior high, there are still many children not in school in Axim.
--For some, the government-funded school is beyond reasonable walking distance.
--Some parents can’t come up with the $10 US for each of their children's uniforms, plus additional cost of underwear, notebook, pen, sandals, etc.
--Some students drop out to help fish or farm, so younger siblings can go to school.
--Maybe Mom’s market stall is the sole family income, and she cannot afford to send all her children.
--Maybe the student is capable, but can't fund vocational school, or senior high, which are not tuition-free at this point.
--Or??
--Although Ghana has made great strides, and provides tuition-free education through junior high, there are still many children not in school in Axim.
--For some, the government-funded school is beyond reasonable walking distance.
--Some parents can’t come up with the $10 US for each of their children's uniforms, plus additional cost of underwear, notebook, pen, sandals, etc.
--Some students drop out to help fish or farm, so younger siblings can go to school.
--Maybe Mom’s market stall is the sole family income, and she cannot afford to send all her children.
--Maybe the student is capable, but can't fund vocational school, or senior high, which are not tuition-free at this point.
--Or??
We have been doing this
for ten years, TOGETHER. We have developed effective ways to get and keep
kids in school through our partnership with trusted colleagues in Axim,
especially Operations Mgr. Evans Arloo’s strong recordkeeping/financial skills,
Queen Mom Nana Adjow Sika’s knowledge of families and wise counsel, input from
Headmasters/Mistresses, and James Kainyiah’s oversight and business
acumen.
Yes, in some cases, we assume all school costs, including room and board. BUT, in most cases, we share responsibility with families.
Our aim is to get as many children as possible through Grade 6, minimum. At that level, they know basic math and English, can participate in their democratic system at the local and national level, read instructions, understand banking, send messages by mobile phone, etc.
Yes, in some cases, we assume all school costs, including room and board. BUT, in most cases, we share responsibility with families.
Our aim is to get as many children as possible through Grade 6, minimum. At that level, they know basic math and English, can participate in their democratic system at the local and national level, read instructions, understand banking, send messages by mobile phone, etc.
And yes, we’ll definitely continue to
send children's books to the Axim Public Library, which is serving 15 schools with the Mobile Library. And we'll shore up a few other needs here and there.
We again assure you that we use 100% of your donations
toward our projects. We on the Ghana Together Board handle all
administrative costs ourselves, including all travel expenses.
We ask for your financial support for our 2017 goals – focused
on the continuing education of Axim’s children - either by check in the mail,
or by credit card via the PayPal link
on our website.Ex-pats may want to help their "hometown" anonymously, take advantage of US charitable deductions, and be confident of trustworthy handling of their contributions.
And, if you are in Ghana, remember every cedi helps! You can deposit funds into the Western Heritage Home account at Ghana Commercial Bank. Contact James Kainyiah at 024-407-2638 for more info. We support businesses locally in Axim as much as possible.
With our sincere thanks…and our very best wishes for you, dear reader, in 2017.
Ghana
Together Directors: Maryanne Ward, Jerome Chandler, Rich Ward, Louise
Wilkinson, and Nathan Ward
_________
Mailing Address: 808 Addison Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
To help: http://ghanatogether.org/HTML/Donations.html
To help: http://ghanatogether.org/HTML/Donations.html
Email: info@ghanatogether.org (or just respond to this email)
We are a US-registered 501c3, FED EIN 2182965
