What We Do
Classrooms for Africa is a positive approach to the ongoing social-economic problems that plague sub-Saharan Africa.
Our Goal
Our vision is that by 2028 over 20,000 more children will receive a quality values-based education in adequate facilities.
In our first 10 years (2008 – 2018) we were able to provide classrooms for over 16,000 children and provided training for 400 teachers. By 2028 the goal is to provide classrooms for at least another 20,000 and to train a further 600 teachers. To accomplish this, we need to build 500 classrooms. Assuming an average cost of $10, 000 per classroom[1], our need is to raise $5.7M Canadian. In addition, we need to raise $1.5M Canadian for support buildings such as dormitories, kitchens and latrines.
[1] Location and cost of building materials affect costs; classrooms can cost $9,000 to $14,000 (Canadian)
“A single classroom can have a profound impact
on a child, community, and country.”
Who We Are
Classrooms for Africa is a registered non-profit organization in Canada and donations are eligible for a tax receipt. Classrooms for Africa is run by a board committed to providing educational opportunities for the disadvantaged. We do not have any full-time employees; our work is made possible by a team of volunteers and part-time staff.
Our Mandate
Classrooms for Africa provides assistance to communities in Africa who have taken on the challenge of providing education for underprivileged children. This is achieved by providing grants to community-based group to help build classrooms and other school facilities. The specific aim is to provide basic classroom space in needy communities. Schools/organizations that wish to go beyond providing basic classroom space are free to do so at their own expense.
A requirement of all projects is that the community becomes involved, contributing what it can in the form of volunteer labour, materials and occasionally cash.
Classrooms for Africa also has a responsibility to its donors to make sure a grant will result in usable classroom space. Projects are therefore only selected if they can be fully completed.
Other Initiatives
connecting project schools to Christian teacher training and resources
linking North American schools and educators with schools and educators in Africa
organizing "discovery" tours for educators and donors interested in seeing first-hand the impact that one classroom can make in a community
working with North American schools, businesses and individuals to fund the construction of desks for the new classrooms
What We've Achieved So far
Since starting in 2008 until 2020, Classrooms for Africa has undertaken in excess of 150 building projects, completing the equivalent of over 450 classrooms. This has benefited close to 23,000 students and their teachers in 76 schools located in eight countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Donation Impact
$20 provides a desk for a student
$800 furnishes a classroom
$6,000 builds a kitchen area from which the children and staff could be fed
$10, 000 builds a classroom
$40,000 builds a dormitory to accommodate 100-120 students
$135,000 builds an elementary school for 350-400 students or a high school for 250-300 students