Our projects grow with the needs of the community.
Our projects change periodically based on the needs of the community and our Ghanaian partners. All projects benefit from monetary donations, and there is also the opportunity to participate in one of our mission trips to assist us with the physical work that needs to be done during our visits.
How we approach projects
- We listen to our Ghanaian partners and respond to real needs.
- We prioritize long-term impact: education, dignity, and growth.
- We build relationships — not “one-time” interventions.
Want to support a project?
Donations help us buy supplies locally, fund construction, and provide training resources.
Our story in Ghana
From a first visit… to a growing mission of education and outreach.
Trip 1 — 2015 (Where it began)
We began in 2015 at the orphanage in Abuesi. After returning home, we established Fans of Africa because we knew we wanted to do more—and we knew we wanted a Christian outreach and could find nothing like that which was available to us at the time. The building that Mike and Pastor John are standing in front of was the building that later became the school TICA, which we can show evolving to what it is today.
Trip 2 — 2016 (Returning with purpose)
In 2016, we returned to Abuesi with a clearer purpose. I planted a tree that we’ll later revisit fully grown as a sign of how time and impact have progressed. I also trained teachers on the school patio, and our young missionaries—Amara, Forest, and Amanda—joined us, pictured with the chief, Mike, and Pastor John. During this trip, we also funded and supported the construction of an addition to the school.
Trip 3 — 2017 (Expanding impact)
In 2017, our third trip deepened partnerships and broadened our reach. We trained over 100 teachers in Bibiani, saw TICA continue to grow, and strengthened relationships with local churches and leaders. This year also marked an important milestone as we hired Emmanuel, reinforcing our commitment to supporting Ghanaian leadership.
Trip 4 — 2022 (Broadening Our Reach)
Trip 4 began at Mount Moriah Academy in Kumasi, where we trained teachers and worked on construction toward a new building. From there we continued on to Bibiani for additional teacher training and support alongside our partners.
Trip 5 — 2024 (From Growth to Generational Impact)
Trip 5 was our first time to Senya Beraku. From there we went to Bibiani and Kumasi, capturing before-and-after progress of schools we worked on, strengthening partnerships, and continuing teacher training as resources allowed.
Trip 6 — 2025/2026 (Sustainable Growth)
Trip 6, moving toward self-sustainability with more schools repaired, more teachers trained and energy and morale of our friends continuing to grow.
Ongoing projects
Work that continues year after year, as resources allow.
Teacher Training.
Prior to our arrival in Ghana, our partners Samuel and Emmanuel carefully vet potential schools and teachers with which to work. We try to select schools that are functioning on their own land, not leased land, and to select a representative sample of teachers from various schools in the region. Once selected, the teachers are asked to attend a week long training while on break from their respective schools, which they are paid to attend. The training is designed as an overview to the on-line course that is provided through a partner in South Africa. Teachers who attend the training and who show an interest in furthering their education and training are selected to be enrolled in the on-line course, which generally takes at least a year to complete. Fans of Africa provides each enrolling school with a new laptop computer and on-site coaching and assistance from one of our itinerant teachers throughout the duration of the course, as well as paying the fee for the course and materials. There is an ongoing need for funds to help defray the cost of this training program.
Desks and school supplies
Many of the schools are in great need of new desks because typically their enrollment increases once the school is involved with the enhancement efforts provided by Fans of Africa. These desks are made on-site by local carpenters, thus keeping resources within the communities, and the materials are locally sourced. The desks are well constructed and can seat two to three students per desk. Additionally, many of the classrooms are in need of white boards and markers, which must be replenished. Many of the classrooms have been using their block walls painted with black paint to serve as blackboards.
1) Donate towards New Desks
You may choose to make a monetary donation for the purchase of Desks.
2) Donate towards White Boards and Markers.
You may choose to make a monetary donation for the purchase of White Boards and Markers.
Ceiling fans project (long-term)
Another project provides ceiling fans to classrooms within the villages of Abuesi and Juaso, and surrounding villages as resources allow. Few of the schools, public or private, in Ghana have ceiling fans in the classrooms, so this is a long-term, ongoing project that could last for years. The fans are purchased in Ghana when the volunteer team arrives and are installed during each mission trip.
1) Donate toward fans
You may choose to make a monetary donation for the purchase and installation of classroom fans.
2) Join a mission trip
You may elect to join us on one of our trips to Ghana to assist Mike and other volunteers with the installation at the school.
Expanding partnerships — Mount Moriah Academy
We have expanded our partnerships through a chance meeting with a fellow Christian, Johnson Antwi, who is now our most recent board member. Johnson has family in Ghana, and his sister in Kumasi has opened a small school called Mount Moriah Academy. This school has now become one focus of our outreach efforts as there is a great need for expansion, infrastructure development, and teacher training. In keeping with our model, Mike’s efforts will be devoted to the physical plant, and Laura will continue her work with teacher training and provision of sound, research-based curriculum.
Open to project ideas
We are always open to project ideas from all our stake-holders. Ideal projects employ Ghanaian labor, are self-sustaining once completed, add to the quality of life, health, well-being, or financial independence of our Ghanaian partners, and alleviate suffering