Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Check out some Photos of GAIO's involvement!
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| Excited kids of Ghana, eager to get in the photo! |
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| Smiles all around! |
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Interested in GAIO's Strategic Plan? Check out the Vision, Mission, & Concept!
GAIO – STRATEGIC PLAN
The purpose of this plan is to carry out the vision and mission of Ghana Africa International Operations (GAIO). In this process, we expect to develop an organizational culture within GAIO's core team and support group as well as the network such that the goals of GAIO can be reached. This includes a process for achieving the long-term plan to accomplish GAIO’s Vision, Mission and Goals.
VISION
GAIO is a San Diego based NGO that is building a sustainable Library and Cultural Center in Akwatia, Eastern Region, Ghana, West Africa. GAIO plans to replicate this flagship concept throughout Ghana and to provide similar educational programs and access to Internet at these various locations. The vision also seeks to promote the integration of education, sustainable development of ecological and cultural resources where the Library and Cultural Center is located. Our vision includes the creation of an alternative model for development that would promote, highlight and advance more holistic approaches and appropriate technologies in Ghana. The vision includes bridging people, culture, technology, education and community development by working in integrated teams from around the world.
Building on what we anticipate is the successful launch and development of the initial center in Akwatia, we plan on developing a network of centers in Ghana that will work to bring together local, regional, national and international experts and community leaders to address community educational, training and cultural development needs. The vision is to develop a model, which will be replicated around the world.
MISSION
The mission of GAIO is to promote education and cultural development. We plan to do this by offering a center for education and access to information as well as a performance stage for the region of Akwatia, Ghana. The center aims to serve about 20,000 children in the region through an integrated approach to education and cultural development with a focus on youth. Another goal for this center is to use renewable energy and appropriate technologies and avoid negative environmental effects.
The goal is developing a grassroots approach "Teaching people how to access information for education”.
"My wish is to establish a Library for the people of Akwatia so that the full benefits of education in these modern times can be achieved for both personal academic advancement and effective national development." -Chief Akwatiahene in Ghana, West Africa
CONCEPT
The focus of GAIO’s effort is the completion of a 12,800 sq ft educational and cultural facility: the Akwatia Library and Cultural Center. This building, which is approximately 10 percent completed, will house educational programs, conduct workshops and host performing arts events. When completed it will conduct operations focused around these areas:
1. Library, which will include separate sections for children and adults as well as the provision of up-to-date books.
2. Internet and computer stations, which will provide access to worldwide research materials and facilitate conduct of research on areas of importance such as food production, health, waste recycling and malaria prevention (this area of Ghana has a very high occurrence rate).
3. Cultural Center will serve the surrounding community and region by providing a year round venue that will host performing arts and cultural events.
As part of a year-end assessment and strategy planning process we have identified short, medium and long-term goals to ensure GAIO’s success with its vision.
The purpose of this plan is to carry out the vision and mission of Ghana Africa International Operations (GAIO). In this process, we expect to develop an organizational culture within GAIO's core team and support group as well as the network such that the goals of GAIO can be reached. This includes a process for achieving the long-term plan to accomplish GAIO’s Vision, Mission and Goals.
VISION
GAIO is a San Diego based NGO that is building a sustainable Library and Cultural Center in Akwatia, Eastern Region, Ghana, West Africa. GAIO plans to replicate this flagship concept throughout Ghana and to provide similar educational programs and access to Internet at these various locations. The vision also seeks to promote the integration of education, sustainable development of ecological and cultural resources where the Library and Cultural Center is located. Our vision includes the creation of an alternative model for development that would promote, highlight and advance more holistic approaches and appropriate technologies in Ghana. The vision includes bridging people, culture, technology, education and community development by working in integrated teams from around the world.
Building on what we anticipate is the successful launch and development of the initial center in Akwatia, we plan on developing a network of centers in Ghana that will work to bring together local, regional, national and international experts and community leaders to address community educational, training and cultural development needs. The vision is to develop a model, which will be replicated around the world.
MISSION
The mission of GAIO is to promote education and cultural development. We plan to do this by offering a center for education and access to information as well as a performance stage for the region of Akwatia, Ghana. The center aims to serve about 20,000 children in the region through an integrated approach to education and cultural development with a focus on youth. Another goal for this center is to use renewable energy and appropriate technologies and avoid negative environmental effects.
The goal is developing a grassroots approach "Teaching people how to access information for education”.
"My wish is to establish a Library for the people of Akwatia so that the full benefits of education in these modern times can be achieved for both personal academic advancement and effective national development." -Chief Akwatiahene in Ghana, West Africa
CONCEPT
The focus of GAIO’s effort is the completion of a 12,800 sq ft educational and cultural facility: the Akwatia Library and Cultural Center. This building, which is approximately 10 percent completed, will house educational programs, conduct workshops and host performing arts events. When completed it will conduct operations focused around these areas:
1. Library, which will include separate sections for children and adults as well as the provision of up-to-date books.
2. Internet and computer stations, which will provide access to worldwide research materials and facilitate conduct of research on areas of importance such as food production, health, waste recycling and malaria prevention (this area of Ghana has a very high occurrence rate).
3. Cultural Center will serve the surrounding community and region by providing a year round venue that will host performing arts and cultural events.
As part of a year-end assessment and strategy planning process we have identified short, medium and long-term goals to ensure GAIO’s success with its vision.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Introducing Ghana Africa Internatinoal Operations!
GAIO was started by one woman who wanted to help the children of Africa. Through a series of chance meetings Founder Jacqueline Prairie visited Ghana & found her calling. (Read her story in Vision Magazine's December '09 issue to get inspired!) During her visit in 2009 she was invited to meet with The Chief of Akwatia who was building a library in Akwatia. The Akwatia Project is their vision to finish the building and create a modern library & communication center built with sustainable energy systems.
"My wish is to establish a Library for the people of Akwatia so that the full benefits of education in these modern times can be achieved for both personal academic advancement and effective national development." -Chief Akwatiahene in Ghana, Africa
The Plan:
We are planning 10 computer stations and separate learning sections for children & adults. Please see plans below and in PDF form. The center will also serve the community by hosting job skills & health workshops. Some of the topics planned are "Sustainable Design & Renewable Energy," "Better Ways to Grow Vegetables," "Establishing Micro-Financing," "Creative & Technical Writing," "Arts & Crafts for Market," and "Better Health & Hygiene." We are not only building an important center for learning, we are providing jobs now and training for future employment.
The foundation has been laid for the 80' X 160' center but we are in need of funds to continue to build and finish the work we started. The local labor force is ready and able but we need help to pay for the materials, labor, and ideally solar power to keep continuous electricity to the center.
Our goal of $90,000 will pay for the Library. The costs are very low for this project but still impossible without help from your contributions. Please give what you can or become a sponsor for the center. Donations are tax deductible.
Thank you!
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