Let's Build Classrooms!

South Africa has been in my blood since I first travelled there in 1975, during the height of apartheid. What a beautiful and fascinating country! I then spent a year there in 1977, studying at the University of Natal, and ended up getting arrested by the Security Police for participating in a protest after the murder of Stephen Biko. I have been back another half dozen times, and it has been mesmerizing to watch the progress that South Africa has made. One consistent thread through all of South African history has been the strong desire of Black South Africans to get an education. This effort was at the center of the struggle against apartheid, and it continues to be at the center of the struggle of everyday life for Black South Africans. That is why I have been so supportive of ACC for so long. I cannot tell you the pleasure I get from seeing the results of our efforts--seeing how much people value the classrooms we have built, seeing how hard they work to get an education, seeing the amazing difficulties that they put up with to learn. It is truly incredible how much our efforts to build schools mean to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. ACC is making a tremendous difference to the lives of the people who live around Eshowe. Please help us to help even more people!

Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) builds schools in rural KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, where lasting effects of apartheid and the continued lack of public funds leave the kids in this area desperately underserved. ACC works with local communities to build much-needed classrooms. Without classrooms, students are either overcrowded in limited structures and/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 helped 37,000 kids by building 109 classrooms. Sadly, more than 100 remain on the waiting list, some for as long as five years. 

ACC is aiming to raise $60,000 in this campaign to build 5 classrooms! These will serve 250 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. During the Covid-19 pandemic, communities are choosing to have students quarantine at school so their learning would not be disrupted. Education is not taken for granted. 

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.

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

www.africaclassroomconnection.org