Dear Contributors,

The Besease Junior High School in the Ashanti region of Ghana is fundraising to build a technology center. Currently, students are learning Information Communication Technology instruction from a blackboard. Students need access to desktop computers, a stable internet connection, textbooks, as well as new desks and chairs. Our goal is to raise awareness of this need through art and the funding to build this technology center.

Thank you to all who have contributed. Construction on the computer lab began in 2024 and the Building Foundation was completed. We are now fundraising for Phase 2 of construction: Building the Superstructure and Roof!

We appreciate your support!

To read more information please go to -

https://envisionedfuturesproject.com/

The Envisioned Futures Project is an arts and civic engagement project helping to bridge gaps of need and forge new possibilities. Using ART as a metaphorical vehicle for change, students contemplate the theme of ENVISIONED FUTURES as they create art to realize their future selves and future space that has yet to be realized.The project fosters cross cultural connections and has previously engaged Bard High School Early College students in Manhattan, NY in an exchange with students in Ghana. There will be an additional exchange happening with NYC students this spring 2026.

The Need-

Right now, there is a digital divide. Not all students have access to critical resources such as the Internet. Digital connectivity through information and communication technologies has been recognized as crucial for development by the International Telecommunication Union. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 is to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in developing nations by 2030. Development Goal 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030.

Our Work-

Through collaborative art projects, fundraising, and coalition, we seek to mobilize a local and an international community of contributors to make an envisioned space become a reality.

Arts and Civic Engagement

Students have created art surrounding building envisioned and sustainable futures. They have created portraits visualizing their future selves as well as model proposals of proposed creative solutions for areas of need within the community. How can one integrate a vision for the future through the use of sustainable materials through art and design? Students have presented their work and have had dialogue with community leaders in voicing the need for these necessary changes.

About Besease Junior High School

The Besease Junior High School is located in the Ashanti region of Ghana. This is a public community school in Ejisu-Besease about 13 miles outside of Kumasi led by Headmistress Madame Angelina Twumasi. There are 310 students in the school ages 11-16. They are divided into three different levels JHS1, JHS2, and the eldest level JHS3. When students finish their studies students are expected to pass a national exam to receive their Basic Education Certificate in order to move on to high school.

Currently, they are not equipped with the adequate resources to provide students with the education they need. They have been provided with 2 laptop computers that are not in good condition. They are also missing textbooks in all subjects for the eldest students in JH2 and JH3. Students' primary Information Communication Technology instruction is demonstrated on a blackboard. They learn programs such as Microsoft Excel Book 1, Word, and PowerPoint at their seats while they draw these instructions on paper. Desks are shared and have been donated by the Rotary Club. There are 40 students per class. Due to parts of the buildings being in disrepair, they need to build the infrastructure which will support desktop computers, internet routers, and UPS backups.

Funding will go towards the following items:

Construction of Building-$15,000

ICT Lab Equipment and Furniture

Internet Installation

*Costs estimates are quoted from local construction, internet service, and energy providers in the Ejisu Besease and Kumasi area. The costs of materials are subject to fluctuation. All proceeds will go to the Besease Junior High School for the building of this center with equipment. This initiative is working in conjunction with artist Laurel Richardson, Vision Space Inc. in NYC and the Nkosuohemma of Besease- Professor Lynda Day, Professor of Africana Studies at Brooklyn College and the Just a Chance Foundation, a charity based in Besease dedicated to the betterment of families in the community.

To read more information please go to -

https://envisionedfuturesproject.com/