About Us
Our Mission
Building Blocks in Africa was founded with the dream of making a difference in the world and helping to break the poverty cycle by providing the opportunity for education in remote areas of Africa.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela
We partner with locals who desire to bring education to their communities. Working together, we build self sustaining schools and opportunities for brighter futures.
Our Local Partners in Kenya
Noel is our local project manager in Kenya. She is a community practitioner in Narok. She received her degree in Community Development and is currently working toward her advanced degree in the field. She is a trusted and relied upon voice in the community. She has a gift for finding was to help those in need and provide opportunities to girls and women in the region.
Noel empowers the lives of girls and young mothers through literacy and by providing basic education and skills to help them earn a living. She is passionate about empowerment through education and knows this school in Kenya will provide a safe place for girls to learn.
Our Local Partners in Ghana
Papa is our local project manager in Ghana. He has dedicated countless hours to building and growing Porter's School which opened in January 2019. The school is now providing education to almost 300 students and will continue to grow as the school expands.
Papa grew up in Kyekyewere and was fortunate to receive an education. He desires the same of the children of his home village. Papa dreams big and works hard. Two characteristics for success. In addition to opening the school, Papa was working on his teaching degree and recently sat for exams for his certification. His passion for education shines through when he is with the students.
Jane, wife of Papa, is our local project manager for the orphanage at Porter's School. She made Mama Yaa's Home for Children happen and continues to work with local social workers to provide a safe haven when children in the village are orphaned. In addition to running the home and coordinating the schooling for all the children in their care, she is also an entrepreneur. She is the owner of Jane's Bakery - the sustainability project for the orphanage. Jane taught herself how to bake by watching YouTube videos and her bread is in high demand! Her wholesale business provides bread to nine surrounding villages as well as jobs for the women selling her bread in the villages. The demand has been so high, she hired an assistant and now has an apprentice working under her.
Our Board of Directors
Katie has a strong passion for helping people grow, whether it's packing hygiene kits for Operation Underground Railroad or coaching people in career development, Katie's passion is tangible. She has worked for and volunteered with several non profits in the past and enjoys applying her savvy business skills with her love of people as she serves the people in Ghana and Kenya.
Rachel fell in love with the African continent and its wonderful people when she first traveled to Ghana in 2013. She has been fortunate to visit Rwanda and return to Ghana in 2017. Rachel currently volunteers with the nonprofit organization Days for Girls. She is excited to be a part of this nonprofit, to work alongside locals in these African communities who desire to improve the lives of generations through education
Jesika is passionate about helping others. She has worked for the U.S. Congress helping Senators and Congressmen build trust and improve communication with their constituents. She has also organized several fundraisers to build care kits for the homeless and hygiene kits for women. Jesika is excited to help BBIA expand their fundraising efforts and achieve their goal of building more schools in rural parts of Africa.
Bethany fell in love with Building Blocks in Africa after hearing Katie present about Jane's Bakery in their MBA program. Seeing Jane and Papa take on the challenge of extending their family by 26 children while also opening a school - and a bakery to support the kids - made her so grateful for loving people in this world. She loves sharing her time and knowledge to help others learn and succeed. Bethany is a huge proponent of education and women in business.
Kevin has been a lifelong proponent of education and personal empowerment. He lived in Brazil for two years and has traveled to various parts of the world for business and humanitarian purposes. He's seen the impact of education and caring up front, and is excited to continue that work through this amazing organization.
Jared served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cape Coast, Ghana. He grew to love the people and has a deep desire to help them succeed. Jared introduced us to Papa, our local director in Ghana.