Anansi Educational NGO

Mission Statement: The purpose of Anansi NGO is to provide funding for West African students from small villages to attend secondary school, specifically assisting those families who do not have sufficient funds to continue their child's education.

In order to raise funds to meet our educational objective, Anansi does five things: First, we find sponsors willing to provide the annual school fees for the customary four years. Secondly, we hold an annual auction in the United States, with African artifacts, artwork and crafts that have been selected and shipped from Africa, by our director. Third, we provide guide services to tourists traveling in Ghana with 40% of the associated costs going to Anansi and 60% going to the guide. Fourth, Anansi operates a Bed and Breakfast for tourists in Ghana with a percentage of the proceeds going directly to the program. Finally, we place volunteers in orphanages, schools, hospitals and farms where a percentage of the placement fees are also invested back into Anansi.

With these various monies, an annual assessment is made to determine how many additional students can be funded beyond those with a committed sponsor. With that number in mind, applicants are assessed where each student must qualify academically and show proof of financial need.

School selection is largely assigned by the government and we have students placed in over five different schools. Each school is visited to meet the principal and evaluate the facility. We provide each student with the required school uniforms, bedding and supplies to board. We make every attempt to provide each student with an individual to whom they can write and from whom they can receive letters and emotional support.

We acknowledge that we are operating within a different culture than our own and we try to teach both the students and the sponsors of some of the differences where misunderstandings can occur. We believe that education is the best means by which we can make a difference, one person at a time.

Programs and Activities

Each spring, since 2004, Anansi has held an African Art benefit auction in Washington State. This auction is Anansi's only fundraising event and the primary source of sponsorships and donations. Please contact us to be placed on the invitation list.

Links to Additional Information

YouTube Video about High School Sponsorship Program
Project Leader Biographies
Anansi Educational NGO web site

Contact Information

Kathryn Roe, Founder and Director
In US: 501 16th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-676-1106
In West Africa: PO Box AD 752, Cape Coast, Mpeasem Ghana, West Africa
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Alisa Roe, United States Coordinator
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