Build A Classroom With Peter Maritz and ACC!

In 2007 I joined the board of a small nonprofit, Africa Classroom Connection (ACC), which builds schools in rural KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. I was particularly taken with this organization, because of my own long history with South Africa. I first travelled to South Africa in 1975, and then spent a year there (1977), studying at the University of Natal. This was at the height of apartheid, and I ended up getting arrested by the Security Police for organizing protests after Steve Biko (a prominent anti-apartheid activist) was murdered by the South African Police.  

Since that time I have been looking for ways to make a difference in that poverty stricken area. I am convinced that the best way to do so is through education. 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 49,000 kids in the 135 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. 

Africa Classroom Connection’s core principle of grassroots participation and co-investment guides 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.

Help Us Build A Classroom

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

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