Support higher Education: Ghana

I've know several people (myself included) who've dreamed of starting a school. Well, fellow Swarthmore alum, Patrick Awuah did it! Ashesi University is a private, non-profit, four-year highly-selective college in Accra, Ghana. Their mission is "to train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within our students the values of life-long learning, concern for others and the courage to think in a bold and enterprising way." To accomplish this mission they offer "bachelors degrees in computer science and business administration, based on a liberal arts core curriculum. A service learning component is built into the curriculum, and the overall program challenges students to not only hone their critical thinking and communication skills, but also apply theory to practice through class projects and internships." The first class will graduate in 2006.

To read what others (including the Chronicle of Higher Education, the Seattle Times, and the LA Times) have to say about Ashesi click here. To make a financial donation or to donate an item from the wish list, click here. Donations are particularly needed to increase the number of scholarships given.

Please note that an Ashesi board member has pledged to match every donation from $1000 up to $5000 made until December 31, 2004. That means your donation could be doubled, or with corporate matching, tripled! Any amount is, of course, appreciated. So if you haven't started your own school yet (or even if you have), consider supporting Ashesi.