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 (Expanding Partnerships & Infrastructure)
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 SB. 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.
Ongoing projects
Work that continues year after year, as resources allow.
TICA — our first school in Ghana
Our first school in Ghana, TICA, which started with 8 students now has 370 students from preschool through grade 6. Twenty eight staff are employed by the school, including 22 teachers and 6 support staff. Currently, six new classrooms are being constructed, and recently TICA received the award of the best private school in the district, and the entire staff and student body were provided with a free lunch. TICA continues to benefit from assistance through our non-profit for student scholarships, ongoing construction efforts, and supplies and materials.
How you can support
- Donate toward scholarships, supplies, and construction.
- Volunteer your time, skills, or services.
- Join a mission trip to help with physical work.
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