James Allen’s Global Impact

You’re Making a Difference Here

WHY GHANA?

Ghana was, until very recently, one of the poorest countries in the world. Over the past few years, the nation has experienced unprecedented growth and development (IFAD report; African Development Bank). Although the lives of Ghanaians have improved greatly, the country still faces many challenges, especially in the education sector.

In Ghana, 18% of primary school age children are not enrolled in school and of those who are in school, 28% will drop out before completing primary school (UNESCO, 2012). Additionally, over 28% of the Ghanaian population is illiterate and out of all the current primary school classrooms, the government estimates that almost a quarter need repairs (World Bank, 2014; USAID, 2009).

PoP works with 142 communities in Ghana to ensure that students overcome these and other barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 35,000 students in Ghana.

WHY GUATEMALA?

In Guatemala, where over 50% of the population lives below the poverty line, socioeconomic status is one of the biggest barriers to accessing a quality education (World Bank 2013). The average length of schooling for a Guatemalan child is only four years and 24.1% of the population is illiterate (US Aid 2014; World Bank 2014).

Pencils of Promise works with 190 communities in Guatemala to ensure our students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 37,000 students in Guatemala.

WHY LAOS?

In Laos, one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, a lack of educational infrastructure is one of the greatest barriers to accessing a quality education (BBC News Asia). 27% of people in Laos are illiterate, with even higher illiteracy rates amongst ethnic minorities (World Bank 2014).

Pencils of Promise works with 113 communities in Laos to ensure that our students overcome these, and other, barriers to accessing quality education. Currently, PoP is impacting over 14,000 students in Laos.

Your Impact On Quality Education

Thanks to your generous support, Pencils of Promise is able to provide quality education to more than 600 students. These students will have access to a safe school structure, inspired teachers, literacy materials, and PoP’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program. By investing in Pencils of Promise’s educational programs, you’re helping ensure students have access to everything they need to receive a quality education.

Learn more about the programs you’re supporting:

Teacher Support

We believe that students will perform better if classrooms are led by enthusiastic, inspired and well-trained teachers. To ensure that our students are receiving a high-quality education, we provide our teachers with ongoing support and innovative resources, enhancing the delivery of national curriculum and empowering them to lead dynamic and effective lessons.

School Builds

85% of the communities we visit lack basic infrastructure. A quality learning environment is critical to increasing student attendance, engagement and overall literacy outcomes—so we build schools to ensure that all of our students have access to a safe and healthy place to learn.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Programs (WASH)

443 million school days are lost each year because of water-and sanitation-related diseases (UNDP). We believe that access to clean water, private bathrooms and good hygiene practices are essential for the growth and development of students. Our WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) program provides safe infrastructure and hygiene lessons to keep kids healthy, happy and in school.

From the start, we’ve believed a PoP school should be more than just a building: it’s the start of a transformative education. It’s a spark that creates a sustainable partnership with communities and unlocks the promise of generations to come. By investing in these programs, you are ensuring PoP students are progressing in their education, and we’ve got the results to prove it. You are joining us as we build hope, joy, community and a brighter future!

Thank you.

Your Impact In Action

Below, meet a WASH Technician and two PoP students who are benefitting from these programs.

Ms. Sanesay – Teacher
Long Lan, Laos

Ms. Sanesay has been a teacher in the Long Lan Preschool and Primary School in Laos for the past three years. When asked what the most rewarding part of her role is, she said it is the opportunity to teach. “Even when I feel tired, I am still happy to teach my students with what they don’t know.”

Ms. Sanesay is one of many PoP teachers who work tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the best education.

Nancy – PoP Student
Avatime Dzogbefeme, Ghana

A 5th grade student at a PoP school in Avatime Dzogbefeme, Nancy wants to be a nurse when she grows up and help save lives. For her, education is “the process of getting skills, knowledge and values to live meaningfully in society.”

You’re unlocking the promise of students like Nancy around the world, and helping them become leaders in their own communities.

Marcos – Community Member
Xiquiná, Guatemala

Marcos is a member of the Xiquiná community in Guatemala. He tells us how much the school has changed his community. Marcos says, “we get together and clean it sometimes because we really appreciate it. It’s not only the kids who have been impacted by this school, it’s also the teachers.” His recalls when his son would say, “When I grow up, I want to go to school,” and now his son is a student in the newly built school!

Marcos hopes that the children will one day grow up to get college degrees and become teachers to teach the new generation. Because of your incredible support, parents like Marcos can see their children succeed in school  – thank you!