Fundraising Goals and Events

Through the 2015-2016 school year, thanks to our generous donors and the hard work of the Ipswich High School volunteers, Friends of Kpelezo funded the following:

The renovation of a small abandoned chapel next to the Kpelezo school grounds to house the entire kindergarten program. This freed up space for to add a level 5 classroom and provide separate classroom spaces for grades 1 and 2.

The completion of the electrical work, and classroom and porch ceilings in the new classroom block.

A monthly stipend for an assistant to help with the growing number of younger children in the kindergarten program. One of the mother's in the village is currently serving in this capacity.

The stipends of two part-time librarians who have been hired to oversee the e-reader library program. One is skilled with electronics and technology, the other is a teacher in a nearby junior high school.

The purchase of miscellaneous resources for the school (additional desk and chairs, sleeping mats, notebooks and other learning supplies).

Secured local sponsors to provide financial support for six village youth to attend senior high school. The cost per student, depending upon their grade level was between $500 and $650.

The stipends for two of the recent high school graduates who were supported through our high school sponsorship program to provide tutoring and mentoring through the summer months for the children in the Kpelezo School.

Putting the final touches on the school building - a community effort!

Fundraising Activities and Events:

Members of the Friends of Kpelezo (Pa-lay-zo) are made up of a dedicated group of past or present students from Ipswich High School who organize fundraising events, make presentations to potential donors and publicize the group's work on behalf of the Kpelezo community. The organization's Board of Trustees and other adult volunteers have provided guidance, managed funds and traveled with the kids or alone to Ghana to do projects, but the real energy and effort has come from these students!

Annual fundraising events have included the following:

The Annual Pace for Kpelezo
The 5th Annual 5K trail run/walk took place on November 20th at Bradley Palmer State Park in Hamilton. Lots of intreped runners and walkers joined us, undeterred by the cold and blustery weather, making this another very fun and successful fundraising event. A big thank-you to all who participated and contributed.

The Play for Kpelezo Concert
Local bands share their talent on a Friday night in June at Ipswich Town Hall. This year's concert took place on June 10th and featured: Steve & The Believers, SEAD, Chris Casey, Peter & Marisa Iannito, Carly Restuccio and friends, and The Greenheads. By all measures it was a tremendous success!

The Friends of Kpelezo Ipswich High School Volley Ball Tournament
An annual tournament in March at Ipswich High School. This past March eleven teams came together to compete for the championship.

2016 Volleyball Championship Team

Goals for the 2016-2017 school year:

Construction of a third classroom block:
Work is underway on a third classroom block to prepare for a rapidly growing number of young children being born in or moving into the village. A significant amount of the work is being done on a volunteer basis by people in the village. And Friends of Kpelezo is partnering with Foundation Help Helpen from the Netherlands to fund the cost of materials and professional labor to see the project to completion. Foundation Help Helpen supports education and health needs in the Volta Region.

High School Scholarship Program:
Six students were able to attend senior high school as boarding students this past year thanks to their Friends of Kpelezo sponsors. Three graduated in May and have sat for their exams. There are several students from the Kpelezo area who need our support in order to attend high school. Our goal is to find sponsors for an additional 5 - 10 students.

Ongoing support for the Kpelezo School
Including funding support staff stipends and learning resources.

Donation in any amount may be sent to:

Friends of Kpelezo Community School
6 Wainwright Street
Ipswich MA 01938

Or you can make a secure online contribution using the (tiny) PayPal link below

Friends of Kpelezo is a 501c3 charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible.

Members of Friends of Kpelezo