Join me and Build the Future of South Africa

For the past 17 years I have been involved with Africa Classroom Connection (ACC), building schools in rural KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, and I am now serving as the Board Chair of ACC. 

It has been almost 50 years since I first travelled to South Africa, in 1975, at the height of apartheid. Many things have changed since then (mostly for the better!), but one central truth is unchanged--education is still central to the struggle for improving lives in South Africa. 

ACC works with local communities to build much-needed classrooms. Without classrooms, students are either overcrowded in limited structures or taught under trees in harsh conditions and with few resources. During rainy seasons they are unable to learn at all. Founded in 2006, ACC has served over 56,000 kids in the 145+ classrooms ACC has built to date. Unfortunately, more than 150 remain on the waiting list, some for as long as five years. 

ACC is aiming to raise $26,000 in this campaign to build 2 classrooms! These will serve 100 students each year for generations to come!

Classrooms are the heart of the community – some are used at night for adult learning and some used as makeshift dormitories for girls in areas where the exceptionally long walk home can be dangerous.  Education is not taken for granted. It is seen as both a privilege and a tremendous opportunity. The children are eager learners and love to share what they know with us when we visit. It is always a joy to see how happy and proud they are!

Africa Classroom Connection’s core principle of grassroots participation and co-investment guide the building of classrooms. Communities are eager for education, raising financial deposits of about 3% (significant to them), leveling land, and securing water needed for construction. ACC funds the rest. Community investment means the residents respect and care for their school.

Learn more on the ACC website! Watch an overview video and meet a remarkable young learner determined to get her education.

Please help ACC unleash the potential of every child by providing them access to education opportunities. Our kids thrive with your support! Thank you!