About Anansi Education
Mission
To fund the high school education of academically qualified students in Ghana who are otherwise unable to continue their education due to financial need.
What We Do
Fundraising: To cover the annual expenses of a high school education, Anansi raises funds in four ways:
1. Enlist sponsors to cover the annual fees for a specific student's entire three years of high school.
2. Host an annual auction in the United States, with African artifacts, artwork, and crafts that have been selected in West Africa by Kathryn Roe.
3. Facilitate guide services for tourists traveling in Ghana, 40% of the associated revenue goes Anansi and 60% to the local guide.
Student Selection: Each fall, Kathryn Roe and her Ghanaian staff member receive applications from Ghanaian teens who have completed the 9th grade and passed the government entrance exam for high school. Interviews using the Microfinance Risk Management SPS (Simple Poverty Scorecard for Ghana) in addition to home visits are used to verify need.
Anansi funds as many qualified students as possible each year.
Enrollment and Expenses: After facilitating enrollment, Anansi makes all tuition and expense payments directly. Funds are never handled by a third party.
Each student is provided with the required uniforms, bedding, and supplies. Transportation to school is provided to Anansi students as needed. Beginning in 2011, Anansi will provide health insurance for students. Basic health insurance is affordable for Anansi to provide and becoming a requirement in many schools.
Sponsor/Student Connection: Every attempt is made to provide each student with an individual to whom they can write and from whom they can receive letters and emotional support. If a student is supported by collected funds, rather than a direct sponsor, Anansi assigns a volunteer correpsondent to that student.
Bio: Kathryn Roe
This project was founded, developed and is currently run by director Kathryn Roe. As an instructor at Whatcom Community College, in Bellingham Washington from 1971-2007, she has long believed in the value of a education. While at Whatcom, she taught ceramics, art history, drawing, color and design, and computer art.
In 1997, during a sabbatical, she traveled to West Africa and while there she fell in love with the people, the colors and the opportunity to learn an entirely different culture. Upon her return to Whatcom, and with a tremendous desire to return to Africa, she found the support of the college to create a quarter-long study abroad program. This cultural experience was successfully realized in 2000. Prior to this African project, she had planned and implemented similar study programs in both Mexico and France.
In 2004, Kathryn Roe enlisted friends and family to sponsor the high school education of six teens from the village of Mpeasem in Ghana. A full list of current students and graduates can be seen on the student page.