Ghana Africa International Operations

Good news! Training for Librarians!

2012-02-20T18:01:00.000-08:00

The Director of : www.osuchildrenslibraryfund.ca, Kathy Knowles has offered to train the Librarians once we are up and ready!

"We offer a three-week course in Accra at one of our libraries that is very much hands on."-Kathy

Exciting stuff!

Check out this photo with UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering TIES

2012-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

They have refined the Solar Powered water pump!

Books all ready to be shipped to our library!

2012-01-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

Please Donate!

2011-12-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

Click here to create your own and help donate to the library!

Follow Kelsey-Fellowship Program

2011-08-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Check out some information on Kelsey!

Kelsey's interview--3rd one down!

Blog posting

New GAIO website has launched!

2011-08-22T20:24:00.001-07:00

CHECK IT OUT!

BIG NEWS!

2011-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Kyocera International to donate ALL panels!

This is very exciting News! Thanks for all the support!

Corporate Sponsorship Packages are now available on our website!

2011-06-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

Corporate sponsorship packages are now available in the following categories (the website will have more details) but any amount is greatly appreciated - just select your area of interest:

Education www.stayclassy.org/checkout/set-donation?pid=5641&cid=4623

Your Generous Contribution will Provide:

• Essential tools to instruct the children and expand their

education; including online learning programs, books and

various informative seminars.

Benefits will include:

• On-site product recognition

• Banner & hyperlink on GAIOworld.org

• Logo inclusion in over 4000 bi-monthly e-Newsletters

• Signage on acknowledgement wall

• Commemorative plaque

Sponsorship Cost: $5,000

(2 available)

Structural www.stayclassy.org/checkout/set-donation?pid=5785&cid=4623

Your Generous Contribution will Provide:

• Exterior and interior support for the Library; including flooring,

ceiling, gabbles, finish for walls, windows, doors and electrical

support.

Benefits will include:

• On-site product recognition

• Banner & hyperlink on GAIOworld.org

• Logo inclusion in over 4000 bi-monthly e-Newsletters

• Signage on acknowledgement wall

• Commemorative plaque

Sponsorship Cost: $5,000

(5 available)

Performing Arts www.stayclassy.org/checkout/set-donation?pid=5644&cid=4623

Your Generous Contribution will Provide:

• A stage including sound and lighting equipment; facilitating

an environment in which the children can develop their

artistic passions and imaginations.

Benefits will include:

• On-site product recognition

• Banner & hyperlink on GAIOworld.org

• Logo inclusion in over 4000 bi-monthly e-Newsletters

• Signage on acknowledgement wall

• Commemorative plaque

Sponsorship Cost: $5,000

(1 available)

Green Energy www.stayclassy.org/checkout/set-donation?pid=5640&cid=4623

Why Green Energy! Sustainable development is a principle initiative

for GAIO. The earths resources are valuable and need to be protected

for future generations. Additionally, electricity in developing countries

such as Ghana is unreliable at times, solar power allows for a more

dependable energy source for the children of Akwatia.

Your Generous Contribution will Provide:

• 9 Solar Panels researched by the University of California San

Diego (UCSD) student-engineering department.

• Connectors as well as battery backup to insure a dependable

energy source for the children.

Benefits will include:

• On-site product recognition

• Banner & hyperlink on GAIOworld.org

• Logo inclusion in over 4000 bi-monthly e-Newsletters

• Signage on acknowledgement wall

• Commemorative plaque

Sponsorship Cost: $5,000

(4 available)

Interior www.stayclassy.org/checkout/set-donation?pid=5643&cid=4623

Your Generous Contribution will Provide:

• Necessary indoor fixtures including desks, ceiling fans,

lighting, shelving units and supplies.

Benefits will include:

• On-site product recognition

• Banner & hyperlink on GAIOworld.org

• Logo inclusion in over 4000 bi-monthly e-Newsletters

• Signage on acknowledgement wall

• Commemorative plaque

Sponsorship Cost: $5,000

(3 available)

Technology www.stayclassy.org/checkout/set-donation?pid=5639&cid=4623

Your Generous Contribution will Provide:

•Ten computers developed to be used for the area.

•Servers, routers and necessary wireless equipment for

computer stations and Internet access that will greatly

strengthen the children’s education levels.

Benefits will include:

•On-site product recognition

•Banner & hyperlink on GAIOworld.org

•Logo inclusion in over 4000 bi-monthly e-Newsletters

•Signage on acknowledgement wall

•Commemorative plaque

Sponsorship Cost: $5,000

(4 available)

Some UCSD news

2011-06-03T22:31:00.001-07:00

Fellowship winner and UCSD Engineering student, Kelsey Ellis, now planning trip to Akwatia with Team GAIO.--Exciting!

In other UCSD news, Engineering students successfully designed and built solar powered water pump AND tested with a solar panel. It works!

Great job UCSD!

Special thanks for the book donations!

2011-06-03T22:28:00.001-07:00

Cardiff, California Library donated several dozen books. Specifically children's book and a nice selection for youth and adults too! Since we have a temp library in Akwatia now, we are accepting books and computers.

Tuvia School in Redondo Beach, California donated children's gently used shoes and books.

Thanks to all for the donations!!

Jacqueline's recap of her recent trip to Ghana!

2011-05-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

"I was in Ghana and Akwatia from March 21st to 30th and made good progress. I had a meeting with Mr. Bright Gavu who will be helping us with the land survey (his background and experience fits nicely with Jerry Nahas' expertise). Bright will be talking to our project architect, Mr. Dawson, to coordinat the work. I met with Mr. Kafui Prebbie, Director of 1 ViLLAGE Group, and ICT organization located in Winneba, Ghana, which sets up educational programs in rural Africa. We'll be partnering with them for all the ICT at the library - initially, a commitment of 10 computer stations. Also, Director of Google Ghana has offered to send a team to Akwatia to train the librarians and support staff in Internet use.

Tony a teacher at St.Rose Private Girls School, has talked with the local Akwatia radio station about ideas proposed by our Performing Arts Program Designer and Writer, David Wiener.

We hope to hear soon from three radio stations (Accra, Akwatia and Tarkwa) to discuss plans and proposals for performing arts activities. Radio and arts personalities who have expressed an interest in being involved include: Bernard Avle - Morning Show wiht Citi FM, Ahuma "Bosco" Ocansey - Programs Director of Joy FM, Wahad - Director of Akwatia station, DJ Nana King, and especially radio host Lexus Bill with Hitz 103.7 FM in Accra.

Jojo Lemaire of Tarkwa's Cross Radio has a program called "Building Blocks", focusing on youth education; he is interested in doing some promotions, as well. These radio professionals are eager to help raise awareness of our project and cover performing arts events, which is great news!

I had the opportunity to spend some time at the Rotary Club in Ghana (Accra-West Rotary) and they have expressed an interest in helping us raise funds for books, computers and educational programs. If they are able to become active in doing this, they will be partnering with the Del Mar, California Rotary Club whom have also expressed interested in our project.

Finally, I met with Mr. Ernest Obeng, an ICT instructor at Great Vision School in Akwatia, who is eager to help with our internet and computer-related projects; seems I am invited to enjoy his Mother's fufu on my next trip!"

Fellowship Program Winner - a look into her research!

2011-05-18T11:09:00.001-07:00

UCSD Engineering student, Ms Kelsey Ellis, won a Fellowship Program for research specific to the Akwatia Library. Kelsey will develop surveys to capture the current state of water supply in the region of Akwatia. Similarly we will develop a survey to capture the current state of the use of computer technology/ Internet. The purpose is to measure the differences every year after the Library is completed to verify the effectiveness. We are now planning our trip to Akwatia this upcoming July.

Stay tuned!

GAIO at UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering!

2011-05-18T11:07:00.001-07:00

GAIO will be attending final presentation on May 23rd at UCSD Jacob's School of Engineering for the third semester's collaboration between UCSD and GAIO. The presentation will be a prototype/ model of a solar powered water pump that the team designed especially to be built and used in Akwatia, Ghana. This will be an additional feature to the Akwatia Library - provide clean drinking water!!

Exciting!

GAIO at World Trade Center Event!

2011-05-18T11:06:00.001-07:00

GAIO attended World Trade Center event at National University and met Bridget McDonald, CEO of Women's International Center (http://www.wic.org/). Bridget will link GAIOworld.org to their site-- what an honor!

Corporate Sponsorship Packages ready to go!

2011-05-18T11:01:00.003-07:00

After much work and preperation, Corporate Sponsorship packages are now ready for send out! We have packages in the following categories: Education, Technology, Green Energy, Structure, Performing Arts and Interior. Please check back to the GAIOworld.org website for details or contact jacqueline@gaioworld.org

Corporate Sponsorship Packages ready to go!

2011-05-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

Donate! Donate! Donate!

2011-05-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Don't forget....we are always eager to have you all donate to further the ability for the children of Ghana to obtain an education! Click here to donate!

Thank You!

Congrats to undergraduate, Kelsey Ellis!

2011-05-09T20:20:00.001-07:00

Ms. Kelsey Ellis won the Fellowship Program: Institiute for International Comparative and Area Studies. Kelsey is an Engineer and the first undergraduate to win the Fellowship award. We will be preparing for her research study and planning a trip to Akwatia this July. Big congratulations to Kelsey!

Kind words from San Diego Renewable Energy Society!

2011-05-09T20:19:00.001-07:00

SDRES (San Diego Renewable Energy Society, local chapter of American Solar Energy Society) contributed / made a donation.

In a letter from their Chairman, Stephen Johnston- "SDRES is pleased to provide modest support for your development efforts in Africa, and especially for the opportunity it is providing UCSD students to be engaged in solar and renewable energy activities for that project. The experience they are and will be gaining is of inestimable value for their education and for the worldwide development of renewable energy."

We did it!

2011-04-13T15:39:00.001-07:00

With the recent efforts in fundraising and combining some from last year, we have enough collected to start building the roof!

Thank you to all for the help and support!!

We are raising the roof!!

2011-04-10T10:50:00.001-07:00

Big huge thank you to all our Canadian and American supporters that donated

during the Raise-the- Roof campaign - which occurred the month of March. We

raised $3,850 - amazing!! This combined with the various fundraisers from last

year enable us to start RAISING THE ROOF !

Like us and follow us!

2011-04-10T10:39:00.001-07:00

Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook: Click here! and Check us out on Twitter: Click here!

New and Great Updates!

2011-03-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

*Accra West Rotarty club are willing to help with funding for books, computers and educational programs!

*Keep your ears open and tune in to watch an interview on Citi Breakfast Show by host Bernard Avle on Tues Mar 29.

*Hitz FM will support GAIO and put together a campaign to support our efforts - Host Lexus Bill has a popular/ prominent talk show every morning from 7 to 10am

*Jojo Lemaire of CrossRadio 1 will feature GAIO on his program 'building blocks" focused on educating our youth.

*GAIO is attending Akwatia Regional Festival from Mar 25 to 27.

Help keep the advancement going and donate today by clicking here!

Please Help and Donate!

2011-03-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Four-year-old Stella Anim Bamfo is an orphan; soon she'll be starting school in Akwatia, Ghana.

It's hard for little ones like Stella to get the kind of education she needs to build a good life - but you can help her by helping us! We're working on a new library and cultural center in her town and the walls are up - will you help us raise the roof? Please contribute anything you can by clicking here

Together, we can provide the resources Stella and many children just like her need to live a full and happy life. Thank you for your kindness!

Wodi odo edferi (with Love from) the children of Akwatia

Come Join us at GroovinU.com!

2011-03-19T15:11:00.001-07:00

Want to make a difference for 20,000 children in Africa. Come join us at GroovinU.com from Mar 18 to 19 for our One Million People Give Campaign to build a library & performance arts center in Ghana with GAIO. Sponsored by Curtis Moring Insurance - San Diego based family business for over 40 years

Help GAIO show the world we can build a bridge to Africa!

2011-03-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Also, please show your support by clicking here! Donate!

Don't forget to Please Contribute!!

2011-03-16T14:49:00.001-07:00

GAIO is trying to build a sustainable library and cultural center and we need your help! Do you want to show your support? Click here and donate now!

Another Reminder-GAIO Gears up for a Radio-Thon!

2011-03-16T14:46:00.001-07:00

Come be a hero to 20,000 children in Ghana with your One Dollar donation to GAIO's One Million People Give Campaign from Mar 18 to 19 on GroovinU.com Radio-thon to build a library & performance arts center in Ghana.

GAIO Gears up for a Radio-Thon!

2011-03-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Help GAIO show the world we can build a bridge to Africa with our One Million People Give Campaign and One Dollar donation each at GroovinU.com from Friday Mar 18 to 19 Radio-thon.

Have you met Abena?

2011-03-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

Abena is a 12-year old girl from Akwatia, Ghana. She is an orphan and works part time in this shop, where she receives food and shelter in return. Her father, a member of the British Army, passed away in war. Her mother passed away from disease (likely malaria). Abena was their only child.

Abena attends the local public school, where instruction is in English. She takes classes in language, math, social studies, religion and other general education courses.

Without parents guiding and encouraging her, it is difficult for Abena to excel in school. Her environment imposes an additional hardship; Akwatia's main source of employment was mining. Recently the mining production has been haulted, leaving much of the community out of work. Most members of the community have never had the opportunity to use their education more than hard, physical labor of the mines or farming for their own source of food to eat and sell at the market.

We hope to give Abena the opportunity to lead a better life the town can currently offer her. The new library and cultural center currently being built in Akwatia will offer her classes and programs to excel with her studies and arts. We also are going to provide computer training at this facility, so Abena and children like her can connect with the world. She will also have the opportunity to join a structured dance group. This library is a chance of hope for Abena and other children just like her to step out of the fate life has predetermined for them.

GAIO's goal is to raise funds by March 27, 2011 to pay for the roof as the walls are already completed. Please Click here to Donate and Help Educate Children!

We need YOUR help! Keep donating!

2011-03-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Happy Children of Ghana singing away!

2011-03-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

Check out the Video we have up of our Fundraising Event!

2011-03-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

Want to help raise enough funds? Please Donate Now!

2011-03-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

Did you know there's a very important library being built right now to help improve the literacy and education of thousands of children in Africa? They need your help. On March 27 there will be a large festival taking place in Akwatia, Ghana where the first of many library's is currently under construction. Our goal is to raise enough funds by March 27, 2011 to pay for the roof as the walls are already completed. We can not and will not stop there, so much more is needed after the roof so please help with any funds you can.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

The Children of Akwatia Ghana Need Our Help!

2011-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

Check out some Photos of GAIO's involvement!

2011-02-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

Excited kids of Ghana, eager to get in the photo!

Smiles all around!

Interested in GAIO's Strategic Plan? Check out the Vision, Mission, & Concept!

2011-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

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.

Introducing Ghana Africa Internatinoal Operations!

2011-02-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

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!