The itsy bitsy smiles project is raising funds to finish construction on a building in Abor, Ghana (West Africa). Construction was initiated by Atidekate, a US-based 501(c) (3) created by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. In 2004, the building's purpose was re-evaluated after a Junior Secondary School was built on the same land by the Abor Community Based Organization (ACBO) and the District Assembly. Since then, not much has changed in the state of the building.
To ensure the successful completion of the building, certain steps must be followed. First of all, the community must be involved 100% of the way. That means that they must be consulted on what kind of building they feel is needed in their small community. The first phase of the project will be interviewing the citizens and helping them evaluate what would be the best use for this centrally located building.
It is very important when working on International Development projects to ensure that we are initiating a project where there is a need. Abor has that need. However, from what Julia saw, they also have the will to help themselves. Great progress has been made in terms of education and health care, but there is still work to be done. Children are still dying from simple infections and students are not able to complete their education. Phase one of our project will be used to help us find out how we can help target and solve those and other important issues within the community.
Phase Two of the project will be ensuring that there is adequate staff and support for the building. The ACBO (Abor Community Based Organization) has been established and is ready to help with groundwork. We hope to get a good communication system set up which includes training the staff to use the internet, which is available in neighboring communities.
Phase Three is the exciting part! This is where construction on the building commences. This important phase will hopefully occur simultaneously with Phase Two.
To accomplish our goals we will be hosting many fundraising events in the Montreal area from November until April. We would like to leave in May and stay there for 4 months to oversee the project, establish focus groups, interview a broad range of citizens, liaise with the necessary government officials and get our hands dirty helping with the construction.
We will be donating our time to do this work. What we need is the money to help cover costs. Every penny counts! Please donate to ensure the future of this vibrant community.
We would like to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to vote and/or donate to itsy bitsy smiles. Without you, all we have is a dream; but with your support, we have a realizable goal.