AKWATIA LIBRARY & CULTURAL CENTER

"My wish is to establish a Library for the people of Akwatia so that the full benefits of education in these modern times can be achieved for both personal academic advancement and effective national development."
-Chief Akwatiahene in Ghana, Africa

GAIO was started by one woman who wanted to help the children of Africa. Through a series of chance meetings, Founder Jacqueline Prairie visited Ghana & found her calling. (Read HER STORY in Vision Magazine's December '09 issue to get inspired!) During her visit in 2009 she was invited to meet with The Chief of Akwatia, who was building a library in Akwatia. The Akwatia Project is their vision to finish the building and create a modern library & communication center built with sustainable energy systems.

The Plan:

We are planning 10 computer stations and separate learning sections for children & adults. Please see plans below and in PDF form. The center will also serve the community by hosting job skills & health workshops. Some of the topics planned are "Sustainable Design & Renewable Energy," "Better Ways to Grow Vegetables," "Establishing Micro-Financing," "Creative & Technical Writing," "Arts & Crafts for Market," and "Better Health & Hygiene." We are not only building an important center for learning, we are providing jobs now and training for future employment.

The foundation has been laid for the 80' X 160' center but we are in need of funds to continue to build and finish the work we started. The local labor force is ready and able but we need help to pay for the materials, labor, and ideally solar power to keep continuous electricity to the center.

Our goal of $90,000 will pay for the Library. The costs are very low for this project but still impossible without help from your contributions. Please give what you can or BECOME A SPONSOR for the center. Donations are tax deductible.

PROJECT PLANS

click on the image (above) to open a larger view in a new window

click on the image (above) to open a larger view in a new window

Phase 1 (Completed):

• Procurement of Land
• Finalized Building Plans
• Construction of Building Foundation

Phase 2 (with approximate costs - detailed analysis available soon):

• Main Structure, including plumbing & electric = $70K

Phase 3:

• Fencing & Landscaping = $5K

Phase 4:

• Equipment & Furniture = $ 15K

We are looking for sponsors for equipment - solar, computers, etc. Please see contact us and review the HOW TO HELP page to sponsor individual items.