AKONUA AND KWAMA CHILDREN’S LITERACY FOUNDATION - 2020
10th Anniversary Report
Akonua & Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation is a Calgary based charity, registered with Canada Revenue Agency on August 23, 2010, with the aim to provide scholarships to needy students and build computer labs for high schools without computers, as well as to construct a Community Public Library in Mankessim, Ghana. Saltpond, District Capital of Mfantseman has no Public Library so when this Library is completed would serve a population of 152,000
As at now we have awarded 21 scholarships to needy students, built four computer labs for high schools. Our culture embraces diversity, inclusion, collaboration and transparency which makes it possible for every needy student to qualify for scholarship, every high school without computers to qualify for computer lab and above all to work with every registered Foundation. We are seeking for organizations that believe in transforming international development by investing in community development projects to promote long term change in communities in Ghana.
Approximately $10,000.00 Canadian Dollars builds a computer lab in Ghana consisting of ten computers and two printers. $4,000.00 sends five students to the University for a four- year program. However, our ultimate goal is to build a Community Public Library at a cost close to $321,000.00 CAN , for which we already purchased 0.86 acres with building plans prepared.
ACHIEVEMENT – Some of our scholarship recipients after their program went back to the village and played it forward. A female nursing student helped women by reading their blood pressure and educating them. Another student also organised free summer classes, English and Mathematics for high school students. It’s like promoting civic education and youth participation in volunteerism and community service. Above all we have a community support letter from the Office of the President of Ghana, diaspora Affairs Department dated October 24th, 2019 . On December 21st, 2019 we received the GCAC Educational Innovational Award presented by Hon. Jag Sahota MP for Calgary Skyview and 2013 we received a Community Service Award from GCAA and congratulatory letter by the Hon. Judy Sgro, Privy Council, MP York West. In 2013 some summer students at the University of Calgary used our website for their final project and this is the first paragraph of their email “We are summer students at the University of Calgary we found your website and it caught our attention. It addresses a need we feel strong about and we found great information on it'. We have united all the churches including the Islamic community in Mankessim into one local scholarship committee that helps us with scholarships awards. A male student did B Com accounting and started level 3 of CA and a female student combined both BSc accounting and CA up to level 3. This proves beyond doubt, that what a boy can do a girl can also do it and even better.
Recognising the selfless and dedicated commitment to this educational project by these extraordinary persons, the Board acknowledged their contributions by assigning the computer lab projects in their names.
10th Anniversary Report
Akonua & Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation is a Calgary based charity, registered with Canada Revenue Agency on August 23, 2010, with the aim to provide scholarships to needy students and build computer labs for high schools without computers, as well as to construct a Community Public Library in Mankessim, Ghana. Saltpond, District Capital of Mfantseman has no Public Library so when this Library is completed would serve a population of 152,000
As at now we have awarded 21 scholarships to needy students, built four computer labs for high schools. Our culture embraces diversity, inclusion, collaboration and transparency which makes it possible for every needy student to qualify for scholarship, every high school without computers to qualify for computer lab and above all to work with every registered Foundation. We are seeking for organizations that believe in transforming international development by investing in community development projects to promote long term change in communities in Ghana.
Approximately $10,000.00 Canadian Dollars builds a computer lab in Ghana consisting of ten computers and two printers. $4,000.00 sends five students to the University for a four- year program. However, our ultimate goal is to build a Community Public Library at a cost close to $321,000.00 CAN , for which we already purchased 0.86 acres with building plans prepared.
ACHIEVEMENT – Some of our scholarship recipients after their program went back to the village and played it forward. A female nursing student helped women by reading their blood pressure and educating them. Another student also organised free summer classes, English and Mathematics for high school students. It’s like promoting civic education and youth participation in volunteerism and community service. Above all we have a community support letter from the Office of the President of Ghana, diaspora Affairs Department dated October 24th, 2019 . On December 21st, 2019 we received the GCAC Educational Innovational Award presented by Hon. Jag Sahota MP for Calgary Skyview and 2013 we received a Community Service Award from GCAA and congratulatory letter by the Hon. Judy Sgro, Privy Council, MP York West. In 2013 some summer students at the University of Calgary used our website for their final project and this is the first paragraph of their email “We are summer students at the University of Calgary we found your website and it caught our attention. It addresses a need we feel strong about and we found great information on it'. We have united all the churches including the Islamic community in Mankessim into one local scholarship committee that helps us with scholarships awards. A male student did B Com accounting and started level 3 of CA and a female student combined both BSc accounting and CA up to level 3. This proves beyond doubt, that what a boy can do a girl can also do it and even better.
Recognising the selfless and dedicated commitment to this educational project by these extraordinary persons, the Board acknowledged their contributions by assigning the computer lab projects in their names.
We are looking forward to receiving financial assistance from individual donors and organisations that believe the best way to promote educational development in the most cost effective and efficient way is to support innovative projects like those promoted by AKCLF to promote long term change in communities in the world.
We are grateful for the matching grants from Government funding support through Alberta Government International Development Grant to the Foundation. We like to thank the Government for this kind support and donors for their kind financial contribution to enable successful matching grants.
WE would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ghanaian Canadian Association Calgary for its financial support and award, the Diaspora Affairs of the office of the President of Ghana for their support, to the Calgary Community Reformed Church for supporting us from day one, Smithswork Computers, Cape Coast, Ghana and above all to the Canadian Government for permitting us to operate and support the AKCLF in this beautiful country. Finally we would like to thank all our volunteers, donors and well wishers for making it possible for us to achieve our goals.
Hoping you will help us to give boys and girls, our future leaders equal educational opportunity and give communities computer lab centers of about ten computers with two printers to promote long term change.
Proposal 2017
Computer Lab and scholarships
We have successfully completed to date, two new Computer Labs for Obama College and St. Andrews Senior High School. AKCLF have also donated 4 computers to Secondary Technical Senior School Mankessim, Mfantseman District, Ghana. This year 2017 has been earmarked for funding a computer lab at the Al-Khulafau Arashiduun Islamic Senior High School, Ekumfi Twa, Mfantseman District, Ghana.The cost of this project for 10 computers, monitors, 2 printers including delivery and installations is estimated at $8,500.00 CAN. plus Electrical and wood work cost of additional $500.00. And we have allotted $1,000 CAN for 5 scholarship awards, thus $200 per student for a year.
We have raised during our yearly fundraising program on April 22nd, 2017, $4,000 left with $6,000 and need funders to help us. The good news is that any amount raised would be matched.
The foundation is extremely grateful to sponsors and well wishers for their continuous support and above all our special thanks to the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Service, Hon. Brian Malkinson, MLA Calgary- Currie, Hon. Ricardo Miranda, MLA Calgary- Cross and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Calgary Ghanaian Community, Diversity Magazine and Alberta Government for backing us up.
Computer Lab and scholarships
We have successfully completed to date, two new Computer Labs for Obama College and St. Andrews Senior High School. AKCLF have also donated 4 computers to Secondary Technical Senior School Mankessim, Mfantseman District, Ghana. This year 2017 has been earmarked for funding a computer lab at the Al-Khulafau Arashiduun Islamic Senior High School, Ekumfi Twa, Mfantseman District, Ghana.The cost of this project for 10 computers, monitors, 2 printers including delivery and installations is estimated at $8,500.00 CAN. plus Electrical and wood work cost of additional $500.00. And we have allotted $1,000 CAN for 5 scholarship awards, thus $200 per student for a year.
We have raised during our yearly fundraising program on April 22nd, 2017, $4,000 left with $6,000 and need funders to help us. The good news is that any amount raised would be matched.
The foundation is extremely grateful to sponsors and well wishers for their continuous support and above all our special thanks to the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Service, Hon. Brian Malkinson, MLA Calgary- Currie, Hon. Ricardo Miranda, MLA Calgary- Cross and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Calgary Ghanaian Community, Diversity Magazine and Alberta Government for backing us up.
Progress Report 2015
The year 2015 was another very rewarding for the board and the foundation.We started 2015 with a very committed and strong Board. On April 18th, 2015 we had our first Fundraising event. On May 31, 2015 Henk Derix. Director participated in Calgary Scotia Bank 42.2K / 26 miles marathon to raise money for the Foundation. We also received a matching grant from the Provincial Government and with this money we were able to meet all our goals for 2015. We built a brand new computer lab for St. Andrews Senior High School, donated 4 flat screen computers to Mankessim Senior Secondary Technical School and above all awarded 5 scholarships 3 girls and 2 boys all in Mankessim, Mfantseman District, Ghana.
We thank the Most Merciful Father for his grace to work on All-Inclusive Educational Development Projects. Our sincere thanks to Calgary Community Reformed Church for their support since day one. We thank Prof. Dr. Ayodeji Jeje, Calgary Police Services, Red 106.7FM, Ghanaian Royal Dancing Club, our volunteers, local representatives and alumni for standing by us. Finally we thank the Queen mother of Mankessim, Nana Ama Amissah lll, Chief of Mankessim, Nana Osagyefo Amanfo Adu Vl and Mankessim Development Board for supporting us and the last but not the least Alberta Government for giving us International Development Grant.
Brief about 2015 achievements
PROJECTS
Computer Labs
We have as at end of 2015 built two brand new Computer Labs for Obama College and St. Andrews Senior High School. In addition, in 2015, we donated 4 flat screen computers to Secondary Technical Senior School Mankessim, Mfantseman District, Ghana. Should funds be available, our plan for 2016 is to help support a computer lab at the Al-Khulafau Arashiduun Islamic Senior High School, Ekumfi Twa, Mfantseman District, Ghana. AKCLF has received the school’s application for this assistance. We have evaluated the school’s allocated computer lab space, and assessed the commitment from community members, faculty and students. AKCLF is convinced this school will benefit immensely from a computer project.
We truly hope that our computer lab projects would soon open a way for Computer Science students in Alberta to volunteer at these schools in Mankessim during their summer holidays. Such experiences are extremely helpful and valuable tools for Canadian students in understanding educational improvement issues of developing countries. Likewise, such visits and interaction of students of different cultures are important for our future generation to understand living together in harmony and world peace..
And for Individuals, corporations and foundations who are interested in supporting financially such school improvement projects, they may contact our Secretary Otto Hammer at 403-289-7024 or contact us through our website.
Scholarship
In 2015 we awarded 5 scholarships, 3 girls and 2 boys and in 2016 we would award additional 5 scholarships. The scholarships awarded represented students recommended to AKCLF through Mankessim Community Leaders, The Pastor, Ebenezer Methodist Church; Pastor, ST. Paul Catholic Church; Imam, Muslim Community; Pastor Presbyterian Church and the Pastor, Church of Pentecost. We like to thank them all for assisting the Foundation in awarding these scholarships. AKCLF has thus awarded scholarships to 21students by the end of 2016.
Community Library
Our 2016 Fundraising would lay the foundation of the future Community Public Library also based on available funding. Library floor plan have been finalized (see attached floor plans in Project section)
Events
Fund Raising
Fund Raising Event - This year like as in previous year, we had tremendous community support. In addition, we also completed our first formal Fund raising event in April at the Calgary Community Reformed Church with inspiring addresses and speeches from renowned professionals based in Calgary. Pastor Paul Heidebrecht blessed the event with the opening prayer at the Fundraiser. The Board and distinguished guests at this event included Henk Derix, Otto Hammer. CST. Raul Espinosa, Orleans Pobee, Dr. John Hagan, Superintendent Tammy Pozzobon, Dr. Ayodeji Jeje, Francia Harvonen, Patricia Irvine and Ann Wilson were also in attendance including many other community members. Guest Speaker- Dr. Ayodeji Jeje, Professor Schulich School of Engineering University of Calgary, spoke about importance of Literacy in our communities. Orleans Pobee spoke about how it started and Dr. John spoke about Mankessim. After this serious business, we had lighter moments dance performances by the renowned Calgary based “The Adehyemanmma Dance Group”.
Our sincere thanks to all who made this event a success.
Government Funding
This year we received matching grant funding from Government funding support through Alberta Government International Development Grant. We like to thank the Government for this kind support.
Calgary Scotiabank Marathon
Our Board member Henk Derix participated and completed this Calgary Marathon in May raising funds for Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation. Our special thanks to Mr. Henk Derix. Our thanks also go out to his family, friends and all who supported him financially for the Calgary Scotia Bank 42.2 K / 26 Miles marathon.
Conclusion
2015 was an extremely successful year and this would not have been possible without local support in the field in Mankessim. We like to specially thank the AKCLF local committee members who oversee these field projects, Smiths Work Computers and the Mfantseman District Assembly for supporting us since day one. The Heads of all beneficiary schools, local community members, faculty and students have our utmost regard. Our computer lab project takes only 30 days to complete, individuals, corporations and big foundations who are interested in supporting us may contact our Secretary Otto Hammer at (403 ) 289-7024 or contact us through our website.
Sincerely,
Ann Wilson
( Chairperson )
June 06 2016
We thank the Most Merciful Father for his grace to work on All-Inclusive Educational Development Projects. Our sincere thanks to Calgary Community Reformed Church for their support since day one. We thank Prof. Dr. Ayodeji Jeje, Calgary Police Services, Red 106.7FM, Ghanaian Royal Dancing Club, our volunteers, local representatives and alumni for standing by us. Finally we thank the Queen mother of Mankessim, Nana Ama Amissah lll, Chief of Mankessim, Nana Osagyefo Amanfo Adu Vl and Mankessim Development Board for supporting us and the last but not the least Alberta Government for giving us International Development Grant.
Brief about 2015 achievements
PROJECTS
Computer Labs
We have as at end of 2015 built two brand new Computer Labs for Obama College and St. Andrews Senior High School. In addition, in 2015, we donated 4 flat screen computers to Secondary Technical Senior School Mankessim, Mfantseman District, Ghana. Should funds be available, our plan for 2016 is to help support a computer lab at the Al-Khulafau Arashiduun Islamic Senior High School, Ekumfi Twa, Mfantseman District, Ghana. AKCLF has received the school’s application for this assistance. We have evaluated the school’s allocated computer lab space, and assessed the commitment from community members, faculty and students. AKCLF is convinced this school will benefit immensely from a computer project.
We truly hope that our computer lab projects would soon open a way for Computer Science students in Alberta to volunteer at these schools in Mankessim during their summer holidays. Such experiences are extremely helpful and valuable tools for Canadian students in understanding educational improvement issues of developing countries. Likewise, such visits and interaction of students of different cultures are important for our future generation to understand living together in harmony and world peace..
And for Individuals, corporations and foundations who are interested in supporting financially such school improvement projects, they may contact our Secretary Otto Hammer at 403-289-7024 or contact us through our website.
Scholarship
In 2015 we awarded 5 scholarships, 3 girls and 2 boys and in 2016 we would award additional 5 scholarships. The scholarships awarded represented students recommended to AKCLF through Mankessim Community Leaders, The Pastor, Ebenezer Methodist Church; Pastor, ST. Paul Catholic Church; Imam, Muslim Community; Pastor Presbyterian Church and the Pastor, Church of Pentecost. We like to thank them all for assisting the Foundation in awarding these scholarships. AKCLF has thus awarded scholarships to 21students by the end of 2016.
Community Library
Our 2016 Fundraising would lay the foundation of the future Community Public Library also based on available funding. Library floor plan have been finalized (see attached floor plans in Project section)
Events
Fund Raising
Fund Raising Event - This year like as in previous year, we had tremendous community support. In addition, we also completed our first formal Fund raising event in April at the Calgary Community Reformed Church with inspiring addresses and speeches from renowned professionals based in Calgary. Pastor Paul Heidebrecht blessed the event with the opening prayer at the Fundraiser. The Board and distinguished guests at this event included Henk Derix, Otto Hammer. CST. Raul Espinosa, Orleans Pobee, Dr. John Hagan, Superintendent Tammy Pozzobon, Dr. Ayodeji Jeje, Francia Harvonen, Patricia Irvine and Ann Wilson were also in attendance including many other community members. Guest Speaker- Dr. Ayodeji Jeje, Professor Schulich School of Engineering University of Calgary, spoke about importance of Literacy in our communities. Orleans Pobee spoke about how it started and Dr. John spoke about Mankessim. After this serious business, we had lighter moments dance performances by the renowned Calgary based “The Adehyemanmma Dance Group”.
Our sincere thanks to all who made this event a success.
Government Funding
This year we received matching grant funding from Government funding support through Alberta Government International Development Grant. We like to thank the Government for this kind support.
Calgary Scotiabank Marathon
Our Board member Henk Derix participated and completed this Calgary Marathon in May raising funds for Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation. Our special thanks to Mr. Henk Derix. Our thanks also go out to his family, friends and all who supported him financially for the Calgary Scotia Bank 42.2 K / 26 Miles marathon.
Conclusion
2015 was an extremely successful year and this would not have been possible without local support in the field in Mankessim. We like to specially thank the AKCLF local committee members who oversee these field projects, Smiths Work Computers and the Mfantseman District Assembly for supporting us since day one. The Heads of all beneficiary schools, local community members, faculty and students have our utmost regard. Our computer lab project takes only 30 days to complete, individuals, corporations and big foundations who are interested in supporting us may contact our Secretary Otto Hammer at (403 ) 289-7024 or contact us through our website.
Sincerely,
Ann Wilson
( Chairperson )
June 06 2016
Progress Report 2013
It is a privilege to be in children's
literacy foundation helping the needy to fulfil their dreams and putting smile
on their faces. We are also privileged to be doing our charity work in the city
of Calgary, one of the most stable economic cities in North America. Calgary is
a vibrant city that if one starts to climb a good tree, she/he gets volunteers
to push to the top. We would like to thank United Way, Propellus, Dunlop Family
Foundation, Calgary Foundation, Calgary Community Reformed Church, Acquaah Family
Ontario and Queen Mother of Mankessim Nana Ama Amissah III for supporting us.
Our sincere gratitude to Justice Julius Dogbe for presenting the community
service award to our Eastern Canada representative Eric Osei Owusu, Kodwo
Boahen for nominating us for the award and the Achievement award Committee. Our
special thanks to our versatile volunteers and executive members who worked
very hard to make things happen.
Scholarship
programme. With
a very modest start in the year 2009 and sponsorship of 5 students at some of
the more renowned institutions of higher learning in Ghana, the foundation has
steadfastly stood on its mission, persevered limited resources but continued to
support these students financially and with academic encouragement to succeed.
In 2010, we increased the scholarship to 10 students. The foundation has also been providing them supplementary learning materials
sent from Canada. Students can now benefit from access to foundation supported
computer lab project at Obama College Mankessim. Two Science and Technology students were
provided two new laptops.
Another alumni a biological science student has been our resource person for organizing language learning for secondary school students during summer breaks.
As at end of the year, all sponsored students have completed their studies. one has proceeded on a professional studies of whom one is proceeding on a chartered accountant. Others are in useful employments. We are extremely excited to also report 4 students are undertaking their National Service obligation, working in agriculture, tourism,fisheries, computer and communication design, observed by professionals at their work stations.
In all 9 students have graduated, one will complete this year.
Plan for 2014
Scholarship programme is at the heart of AKCLF programmes and this year we hope to sponsor 5 students over a 4 year undergraduate programme at Mankassim. The foundation is seeking to raise CAD four thousand dollars ( $ 4000 ) this yea r for the five students total four year studies cost. Our scholarship committee in Mankessim has already received many students’ applications for selection.
Computer Lab. This has been an exciting year at the Obama College where AKCLF supported the setting up of a computer Lab. With the kind support of donor funds, AKCLF resources, Computer supplier in Ghana, the teachers at Obama College, Staff and teachers – these students’ dream project became a reality. Already the project is the talk of the other schools and AKCLF has received requests from neighboring schools namely; high Schools namely Mankessim Secondary Technical, St. Andrews Senior High and Effisa Memorial Secondary School for financial assistance and support to set up similar lab at their schools. It is unbelievable how minimal financial resources are required to set up these projects which benefits hundreds of students. The experience gained from the successful launch of Obama College Computer lab project can be an outreach benefit to these other schools. A lot of experience on the ground has been achieved to benefit other schools.
Plan for 2014
We expect to help setup two more computer labs this year – each school lab with 8 computers and two printers at a total cost of CAD seven thousand ( CAD 7,000 each – this is not a typo; yes project costs are so low and the benefits maximum !! ). These include hardware and maintenance costs, refurbishment and painting; lighting and electrical installations. And each project can benefit anywhere from two to three hundred students within their schools.
For this project, we are very happy to report that we have already received an initial two thousand dollars ( CAD 2000 ) from the Calgary Community Reform Church and like to extend our sincere appreciation. Our appeal goes out to other prospective donors for their financial support to help these projects come to fruition.
Community Library. Library layout structural plans are on the drawing board. Our Library Development Committee has been deliberating on the most cost effective way to proceed with this project. This project like the other AKCLF has funded, should be low cost and extend maximum benefit.
Plan for 2014
The committee will continue to discuss, brainstorm ideas, and come up with a medium to long term library development plan. We certainly encourage prospective donors input for this project.
Other Important highlights in 2013
13th ANNUAL GHANAIAN-CANADIAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - A Celebration of Excellence. The Chairman of the Foundation , Mr. Orleans Pobee received the very well respected Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards 2013 in COMMUNITY SERVICE at the award function in Toronto.
PUBLICITY. The foundation continues to draw the attention of various media here and back in Ghana for its positive approach, excellent work and dedicated service to the community.
In conclusion once again, the year was full of excitement for the beneficiaries it serves. Humbled by these modest achievements, the Chairman thanks all donors, our old and new members for all their support.
Last but not least, The Foundation thanks sincerely the Federal and Provincial governments and hopes to receive continued support in 2014.
Sincerely,
Orleans Pobee
Chairman
Another alumni a biological science student has been our resource person for organizing language learning for secondary school students during summer breaks.
As at end of the year, all sponsored students have completed their studies. one has proceeded on a professional studies of whom one is proceeding on a chartered accountant. Others are in useful employments. We are extremely excited to also report 4 students are undertaking their National Service obligation, working in agriculture, tourism,fisheries, computer and communication design, observed by professionals at their work stations.
In all 9 students have graduated, one will complete this year.
Plan for 2014
Scholarship programme is at the heart of AKCLF programmes and this year we hope to sponsor 5 students over a 4 year undergraduate programme at Mankassim. The foundation is seeking to raise CAD four thousand dollars ( $ 4000 ) this yea r for the five students total four year studies cost. Our scholarship committee in Mankessim has already received many students’ applications for selection.
Computer Lab. This has been an exciting year at the Obama College where AKCLF supported the setting up of a computer Lab. With the kind support of donor funds, AKCLF resources, Computer supplier in Ghana, the teachers at Obama College, Staff and teachers – these students’ dream project became a reality. Already the project is the talk of the other schools and AKCLF has received requests from neighboring schools namely; high Schools namely Mankessim Secondary Technical, St. Andrews Senior High and Effisa Memorial Secondary School for financial assistance and support to set up similar lab at their schools. It is unbelievable how minimal financial resources are required to set up these projects which benefits hundreds of students. The experience gained from the successful launch of Obama College Computer lab project can be an outreach benefit to these other schools. A lot of experience on the ground has been achieved to benefit other schools.
Plan for 2014
We expect to help setup two more computer labs this year – each school lab with 8 computers and two printers at a total cost of CAD seven thousand ( CAD 7,000 each – this is not a typo; yes project costs are so low and the benefits maximum !! ). These include hardware and maintenance costs, refurbishment and painting; lighting and electrical installations. And each project can benefit anywhere from two to three hundred students within their schools.
For this project, we are very happy to report that we have already received an initial two thousand dollars ( CAD 2000 ) from the Calgary Community Reform Church and like to extend our sincere appreciation. Our appeal goes out to other prospective donors for their financial support to help these projects come to fruition.
Community Library. Library layout structural plans are on the drawing board. Our Library Development Committee has been deliberating on the most cost effective way to proceed with this project. This project like the other AKCLF has funded, should be low cost and extend maximum benefit.
Plan for 2014
The committee will continue to discuss, brainstorm ideas, and come up with a medium to long term library development plan. We certainly encourage prospective donors input for this project.
Other Important highlights in 2013
13th ANNUAL GHANAIAN-CANADIAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - A Celebration of Excellence. The Chairman of the Foundation , Mr. Orleans Pobee received the very well respected Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards 2013 in COMMUNITY SERVICE at the award function in Toronto.
PUBLICITY. The foundation continues to draw the attention of various media here and back in Ghana for its positive approach, excellent work and dedicated service to the community.
In conclusion once again, the year was full of excitement for the beneficiaries it serves. Humbled by these modest achievements, the Chairman thanks all donors, our old and new members for all their support.
Last but not least, The Foundation thanks sincerely the Federal and Provincial governments and hopes to receive continued support in 2014.
Sincerely,
Orleans Pobee
Chairman
AKONUA AND KWAMA CHILDREN’S LITERACY FOUNDATION PROGRESS REPORT – 2011
I am extremely pleased to inform you that Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation, a Canadian Registered Charity has been able to support eleven students with scholarships and financial assistance for studies at the Universities and Colleges in Africa.
First and foremost the foundation would like wholeheartedly to thank Calgary Community Reformed Church Dr. John Hagan, Ann Wilson one time Citizenship Judge of Calgary, late Ivy Jeffers of Victoria BC, Henk Derix, Otto Hammer, Mansur Fazal and Bob Andrew among many others, for the continuous support and encouragement towards the goals and objectives of this foundation. In addition the foundation is extremely thankful for the kind words of support of our well-wishers and alumni submitted on a continuous bases through the comment section of the web-site.
The project has been launched to assist students in Mankessim, Ghana to prepare manpower in Ghana at the Universities and Colleges for Ghana within the cultural and environmental conditions they are more familiar with. There are many projects which assist African students study at higher institutions abroad, this is not only expensive but students eventually get cut
from their heritage and do not go back to help homeland. Apart from the education cost being lot more affordable in Ghana, the education is comparable to Western or North American qualifications.
A land of 0.86 acre has been acquired for a Public Library in Mankessim, Ghana. As at now there is no Public Library in Saltpond, Mfantseman district capital, which means the Mankessim Library will serve about 153,000 people in the district. Infact due to this dire need, this project responds directly to the community needs.
The Library would help us to educate some of us who say “Women would be married so their education is not important” and those under the notion that "a child belongs to the maternal
family so the father could refuse to be responsible for his own child”. This is the prevalent belief of many people in developing countries who feel the same. Above all the library would help the district, the community, the people and the students in their research work.
This year, three of our students graduated from University and are serving Ghana on their National Service. Three students also graduated from Polytechnic and are looking for work. Last year one student graduated from university, and is now working at the same institute and taking level three of CA Ghana. Another student graduated from a Training College and is teaching in Elementary School. While two students are still on their program – 4th year BA. Communication Design and CA GH level two, another student of Marine Technician programme is looking for one year practicum in a boat before he can continue with his course.
The foundation is appealing to humanitarians all over the world to assist us financially towards our humanitarian projects, Scholarships, and Public Library that our organization is currently working on in Mankessim, Ghana.
The foundation needs a lap top and projector with screen to enable students to watch English Literature movies during the Summer classes the alumni of the Foundation started this year.
Okurantsir Amanfo, Mankessim citizens home and abroad, your servant, son, father, uncle, and grandfather has taken this humble step with love and hope that you will join with the same love.
For no one can build us a Library unless we take the initial step with one love and sacrifice some of our resources that God has given us. Its God’s not ours.
This foundation started with nothing apart from hope and faith that is possible before our living God. That moved a brother to donate his savings to start with and some professionals also accepted tax deductible receipt for their services to the foundation.
Sharing our resources brings Joy to us, the needy and also helps us to spread God’s grace of giving. Joy also comes with happiness and happiness takes away all our problems therefore with joy we cannot even see our problems. 1 Peter 4:8 “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins”. The wonderful thing here is that your love to the world, your resources has given some young men and women power and knowledge that no one takes it from them.
I thank you not only for your financial assistance but also for the love you have given these students, which is helping build peace on earth and a solid foundation for the future mission of this charity.
Sincerely,
Orleans Pobee
20/09/12
I am extremely pleased to inform you that Akonua and Kwama Children’s Literacy Foundation, a Canadian Registered Charity has been able to support eleven students with scholarships and financial assistance for studies at the Universities and Colleges in Africa.
First and foremost the foundation would like wholeheartedly to thank Calgary Community Reformed Church Dr. John Hagan, Ann Wilson one time Citizenship Judge of Calgary, late Ivy Jeffers of Victoria BC, Henk Derix, Otto Hammer, Mansur Fazal and Bob Andrew among many others, for the continuous support and encouragement towards the goals and objectives of this foundation. In addition the foundation is extremely thankful for the kind words of support of our well-wishers and alumni submitted on a continuous bases through the comment section of the web-site.
The project has been launched to assist students in Mankessim, Ghana to prepare manpower in Ghana at the Universities and Colleges for Ghana within the cultural and environmental conditions they are more familiar with. There are many projects which assist African students study at higher institutions abroad, this is not only expensive but students eventually get cut
from their heritage and do not go back to help homeland. Apart from the education cost being lot more affordable in Ghana, the education is comparable to Western or North American qualifications.
A land of 0.86 acre has been acquired for a Public Library in Mankessim, Ghana. As at now there is no Public Library in Saltpond, Mfantseman district capital, which means the Mankessim Library will serve about 153,000 people in the district. Infact due to this dire need, this project responds directly to the community needs.
The Library would help us to educate some of us who say “Women would be married so their education is not important” and those under the notion that "a child belongs to the maternal
family so the father could refuse to be responsible for his own child”. This is the prevalent belief of many people in developing countries who feel the same. Above all the library would help the district, the community, the people and the students in their research work.
This year, three of our students graduated from University and are serving Ghana on their National Service. Three students also graduated from Polytechnic and are looking for work. Last year one student graduated from university, and is now working at the same institute and taking level three of CA Ghana. Another student graduated from a Training College and is teaching in Elementary School. While two students are still on their program – 4th year BA. Communication Design and CA GH level two, another student of Marine Technician programme is looking for one year practicum in a boat before he can continue with his course.
The foundation is appealing to humanitarians all over the world to assist us financially towards our humanitarian projects, Scholarships, and Public Library that our organization is currently working on in Mankessim, Ghana.
The foundation needs a lap top and projector with screen to enable students to watch English Literature movies during the Summer classes the alumni of the Foundation started this year.
Okurantsir Amanfo, Mankessim citizens home and abroad, your servant, son, father, uncle, and grandfather has taken this humble step with love and hope that you will join with the same love.
For no one can build us a Library unless we take the initial step with one love and sacrifice some of our resources that God has given us. Its God’s not ours.
This foundation started with nothing apart from hope and faith that is possible before our living God. That moved a brother to donate his savings to start with and some professionals also accepted tax deductible receipt for their services to the foundation.
Sharing our resources brings Joy to us, the needy and also helps us to spread God’s grace of giving. Joy also comes with happiness and happiness takes away all our problems therefore with joy we cannot even see our problems. 1 Peter 4:8 “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins”. The wonderful thing here is that your love to the world, your resources has given some young men and women power and knowledge that no one takes it from them.
I thank you not only for your financial assistance but also for the love you have given these students, which is helping build peace on earth and a solid foundation for the future mission of this charity.
Sincerely,
Orleans Pobee
20/09/12
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