Beginnings
Libraries are virtually non-existent in the West African country of Ghana. In 2019, the Ghana Library Authority reported that there are 61 libraries for Ghana’s 30 million citizens. Access to computers and other forms of technology is also very limited. Most schools do not have adequate literature or computers for their students. The BaoBao Library provides access to high quality literature and current technology to the children, students, and adults in the community of Santa Maria, Ghana, childhood home to one of the founders of the Library project, Adjei Abankwah.
Libraries are virtually non-existent in the West African country of Ghana. In 2019, the Ghana Library Authority reported that there are 61 libraries for Ghana’s 30 million citizens. Access to computers and other forms of technology is also very limited. Most schools do not have adequate literature or computers for their students. The BaoBao Library provides access to high quality literature and current technology to the children, students, and adults in the community of Santa Maria, Ghana, childhood home to one of the founders of the Library project, Adjei Abankwah.
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Santa Maria is on the outskirts of Accra, the capital of Ghana. It is a vibrant community with many young people and young parents looking for ways to financially support their families and pursue education beyond the limited public school opportunities. In 2011, Adjei and his wife, and Library co-founder, Kari, traveled to Santa Maria to visit Adjei’s family. It was during this visit that they were inspired to develop an unused plot of land owned by the Abankwah family into a library and computer lab to serve the community. This vision united both Adjei’s desire to give back to his community and, as a literacy teacher for 20 years, Kari’s passion for sharing a love of literacy with students of all ages.
Raising the Roof in 2017 Upon their return, Adjei and Kari founded the BaoBao Foundation to raise money in order to build the Library. Through grassroots efforts such as creating a crowdfunding site, engaging private donors, hosting school and church fundraisers, organizing the BaoBao Festival, and myriad other community events, the Foundation raised $60,000 to complete the initial stage of development. The foundation also collected thousands of books and many computers for the lab. The Library building was completed during the summer of 2017. Success in the Community The BaoBao Library is making an impact! Even though the concept of a public library is new in Ghana, the community of Santa Maria has embraced it. Each month, upwards of 600 individuals of all different ages, religious backgrounds, and abilities visit the Library. Community members come to read, learn how to navigate the internet, and acquire new skills - all for free of charge! The Library also acts as an extension of the schools in Santa Maria. While there is access to public education, many schools are too far or at capacity. The alternative for families is paying for their children's schooling. Walking around Santa Maria on any given day, you will find kids playing about because their parents didn’t have the money for school fees that month. The Library offers the children an opportunity to continue their education for free until they are able to return to school. Additionally, teachers in the area are better able to support their students with access to current computer equipment and educational resources. Students have a quiet and stable environment where they can come to study and meet other students with similar goals. With access to literature and computers, students develop an enhanced global view of the world. The BaoBao Library is also more than a place to read books, it is also an employer. The Library currently employs 3 residents and has 4 volunteers. Local teens Richard, TJ, William, and Matias volunteer in the Library shelving and cleaning the Library. In exchange for their hard work, the BaoBao Foundation pays for their school fees. We also sent a bike for Richard so he could get to school faster! The Future The Foundation envisions adding a second floor to the Library in the near future. This addition would serve as a space for classrooms, extra bookshelf space, and a dormitory for volunteers. It would also provide a space for community members to share their talents and train people who want to make a better living for themselves. We even have a dream to add a third floor that will house a community radio station! Future programming plans include cultural workshops, environmental education, music lessons and gardening. Fundraising for BaoBao Library Project The Baobao Library is completely dependent upon donations. Donations currently cover monthly operating costs, monthly salaries for our staff, and the education of young students who volunteer at the BaoBao Library. The Foundation is also building reserves to begin construction on the second floor of the library. The Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible. If you would like a receipt, include your name and address when you donate. Please note whether it is a payment, sponsorship or donation. |
This video gives a glimpse of where we started and a journey through our work to open the BaoBao Library during the Summer of 2017 .
Video Tour of the BaoBao Library
Filmed during March of 2017
Fall 2016: Windows and tile installed. Thanks to Joe and Nana Osei for heading up the project in Ghana!
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Summer 2016: Plaster is on the walls!
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This video was taken during the Summer of 2013.