The Queensland Project, Ghana
Located in the world's largest
e-waste district (technology and electronic waste site), Queensland school is determined to keep on keeping on "“ let's
help them do that!
There's a school in Ghana called
Queensland. It is located in the same suburb as the world's largest e-waste
site. The school is aware of the desperate need for education and provides it
for as many students as possible. The space is very limited and the children
end up packed into this tiny, hazardous structure which is struggling every day
to remain functional. The structure of the school is incredibly unsafe and
unstable; it is literally falling apart. The school currently has 214 students,
3 shared classrooms, 6 teachers, 8 grade levels, one cook, and one very devoted
school owner. This school jumps through hoops and plays with fire just to get
as many students in Agbogbloshie educated. The classroom on the second floor is
made of wood and is very unsteady. The second floor is being held up by weak
columns which do not meet minimum safety standards. They have four unused classrooms
in a new area being built on the second floor, which are unfinished due to lack
of funds.
These four classrooms can help the
students get a better education and a brighter future. By restructuring
and completing the construction of the school, we are not only helping them
temporarily, but we are helping them and the community for a long time. Doing
this ensures the students are safely getting the most out of their education.
It's sustainable development that gives others the opportunity to help
themselves.
For more information on the project, click here!
P.S. I know what you're thinking.
$3500.00 is a LOT of money. Trust me, I know. It goes so much further here than
it would in Canada, so it's more to people here than people there (being a
volunteer out here, I can vouch for that). I have thought about the fact that I
reached for the stars but I swear I will try my best to get there.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(a.k.a.
some questions I'd have if I were you):
Q: Why not build another school?
A: I couldn't imaging finding
anyone with the passion for running a school like Madame Nlandon, especially
not in this area. Queensland builds up, not out because there is literally
no space. Walking roadside is hectic. Honking cars, large markets to weave
through, garbage everywhere. Why try to create something great when something
great is already there to be discovered?
Q: How do you know the money's being
used effectively? What if it's not completed by the time you return to Canada?
A: Two of my friends volunteer and
live at a boys home that I often visit and tutor at. At that home, there is an
architect/engineer undergrad student who has done many projects like this and
built many humanitarian structures. He and his friend have incredibly agreed to
help me out and we all went to the school and generated plans for what
needs to be done. That's how I got this monetary goal amount. They've also
agreed to monitor the workers and process even after I depart and keep me
updated.
Q: What if you don't raise all the
money?
A: I'll cross that road when it
comes. There are cheaper, less sustainable, but still incredibly helpful ways
to invest money into the school. However, I would go to far lengths to make
this happen and you can help me!
Q: Why Queensland?
A: ... why not?