Ghana 2018
Sabre Trust Ghana Exchange
Two outdoor play and learning spaces, with playground equipment and shade structures, at the Eikwe and Ngalekpole kindergartens. Build dates March 10–18, 2018.
- Families & Children
- Education
- Economic Growth & Stability
Communities Lead. We Partner. Together we build.
What we built
Two outdoor play and learning spaces including playground equipment and shade structures.
Building Humanity joined Sabre Trust's Ghana Exchange to help improve learning environments at two local kindergartens. Fourteen volunteers helped construct playgrounds and shaded outdoor learning spaces, now used by approximately 160 children each year for physical activity, play and classroom learning. The project also helped Sabre Trust's construction team move roughly a week ahead of schedule.
Sabre Trust Ghana Exchange, Ghana 2018
Who Is Sabre Trust?
The Sabre Charitable Trust (Sabre) is an education charity working in southern Ghana to improve the lives of poor and marginalized children. Their Brighter Futures Program provides an innovative and carefully considered response to the challenges of poor learning environments and weak teacher capacity in the kindergarten sector, which is delivered through Building Better Schools and providing Transformational Teacher Training.
Why Did We Participate?
In 2018 our CEO, Erin Colshan participated in the Ghana Exchange where 14 young professionals traveled to Ghana to help complete two playgrounds and shade structures to benefit the education of Ghanaian children as part of their Build Better Schools program. These two schools do not have funding to be completely remodeled, but these outdoor play and learning spaces will make huge impacts.
The playgrounds that we worked on are in full use in the Eikwe and Ngalekpole kindergartens. Each year these playgrounds will benefit 160 kindergarten children and will give them much more than just a fun place for them to play. The shaded external learning space allows teachers to bring the children’s learning outside and gives them vital space for physical activities. Using the outside space is a key part of the learning through play and activity methodology and prevents young children sitting behind a desk all day. The playground equipment will also help the children to develop their gross & fine motor skills, coordination and social skills as they learn to play together.
All of our hard work on site meant that their building team saved an entire week of work, putting them well ahead of schedule, and feedback from the team showed just how much they loved having us as part of their team.
What Did We Learn?
This experience helped Erin learn and develop changes to the way Building Humanity conducts projects. This experience was invaluable to the growth of Building Humanity and all future projects.
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What's next
Help the Next Community Build
Ghana is complete, but the need continues. Every project begins with a request from a community or local partner, and there are more communities waiting for the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
FAQs
Answers to common questions
Learn more about how Building Humanity selects projects, works with communities, funds construction, and engages volunteers around the world.
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Do I need construction experience?
No. Previous construction experience is not required. Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and skill levels. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to teamwork are the most important qualities for a successful build experience. Volunteer teams typically range from 10 to 20 participants.
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What does it cost to join a build?
A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot on a build team. Volunteers are encouraged to fundraise the remaining trip costs, and we provide fundraising resources and guidance based on strategies that have helped past volunteers successfully meet their goals.
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What skills are most useful on site?
We regularly seek volunteers with backgrounds in architecture, engineering, construction, education, STEAM programming, healthcare, communications, photography, videography, fundraising, and nonprofit administration. However, many projects require general volunteer support, so anyone can provide meaningful work.
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How are communities chosen?
Communities typically approach us directly, or through trusted local partners. We work collaboratively to assess needs, define project goals, and ensure community members lead decisions about priorities and implementation.
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Who designs the projects?
It depends on the project. Some community partners already have designs, or rough plans in place before reaching out to us. When design support is needed, our network of volunteer professionals, including architects, engineers, planners, landscape designers, and other specialists, assists in whatever capacity the community requires. Whether providing full design services, technical guidance, fundraising support, or project review, we work alongside communities to help bring their vision to life.
Something we have not answered? info@buildinghumanity.org