buildOn

From straw to strength: The people of Marincin, Burkina Faso now have a newly constructed school building, thanks to their hard work and our partnership with @EAA_Foundation’s Educate A Child program! Before, 44 students learned in a single straw classroom. Now, they have a safe, sturdy space that enhances their access to quality primary education. As community elder Sawadogo Ragnoudou says, "We now have a nice building, well built and very comfortable. I am confident that the quality of education will also improve significantly." Together, we're building more than just schools—we're building brighter futures for children around the world. 🏫📚

On International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we're reminded of the countless people around the world who suffer due to a lack of education. Poverty and illiteracy are inextricably linked and that's why we partner with communities like Mba Tig Yiri in Burkina Faso. Together, we're building a school in their village so their children don't have to travel several miles through difficult terrain to the nearest school, or learn in makeshift classrooms that expose them to harsh weather conditions. This is why we walk. Every step we take in our Steps for Students challenge represents the incredible lengths children around the world go through to get an education. Every dollar raised helps break down barriers to education, one community at a time. Every Dollar Counts. Our $40,000 Steps for Students walkathon challenge directly supports communities like Mba Tig Yiri. By donating, you’ll help build more schools, transform more communities, and change more lives. We invite you to click here to contribute. https://ow.ly/9a4Y50TO3of

This World Food Day we're shining a light on the fact that too many people around the world lack access to nutritious food. According to the UN, despite the fact that the world's farmers produce enough food to feed more than the global population, hunger still persists. Over 2.8 billion people in the world are unable to afford a healthy diet and around 733 million people are food insecure. Our Adult Literacy Program seeks to close the poverty gap with increased access to education and opportunity through our income generating activities. When adult learners complete our program, they are given $700 in seed capital to invest in their businesses. As you can see, a graduate of ALP in Beluwa, Nepal is increasing access to food in her community through her grocery store. Support our work by clicking the link. https://ow.ly/QE9H50TNaqh

Donate to buildOn's Steps for Students challenge and make a difference in young lives! Travis Welcome, our Chief U.S. Program Officer, is walking in solidarity with buildOn students to honor his mother. "There are challenges in their communities, but those aren’t changing tomorrow, or next week, or even in the next 6-12 months. What matters is that they have the courage and will to get up and push through every single day, walk to school and to class, and have hope that someday things will get better." Travis finds strength in our students. And for as little as $5, you can help fund our incredible programs that are transforming their lives! Donate now: https://ow.ly/SrUa50TLMOt

Today, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and recognize the immeasurable impact made by Tribal nations. This past weekend, a group of our students were guided through the relevance and importance of land acknowledgement before embarking on a local park clean up. They took the time to learn about the local Native tribes and reflect on how we can be better environmental conservation stewards. At buildOn, we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. 🧡

Do you remember what it was like to be a high schooler? To find yourself in a changing body, suddenly met with independence, and asking yourself, “who do I really want to be when I grow up?.” College admissions are around the corner, your emotions are a roller coaster, and suddenly you’re thinking critically about friendship?! School students today are tasked with all of this while having direct access to constant updates from everyone out there living their best lives. For so many of our students, their time with buildOn is one of the only moments in their week when they get to step outside of themselves and focus their attention on helping others, which has been proven to help young people build a sense of purpose and increase their self-esteem. Not only do they get the chance to find agency in being a benefit to their community, but they make lifelong friendships with their peers in the process. That’s what we are working towards with our Service Learning Programs. We’re educating, empowering, and empathizing with tomorrow’s leaders as a reminder that a life of stewardship is better together. 🧡

“For me and the community, this was an excellent project because for a long time, we were anxiously waiting to see it become a reality,” shares Francisco Javier López, a proud father and President of the School Management Committee in Quilile. “I am happy about this accomplishment because the old school did not have these conditions. It had a dirt floor, and during the rainy season, rainwater leaked inside and damaged all the materials.” Looking toward the future, Francisco is optimistic. He recalls how children were embarrassed to attend the old school, which led some to seek education elsewhere. “With this new school, the children feel enthusiastic. Many children have yearned and dreamed about having a school of this caliber. Education levels will certainly improve.”

Have you met Travis Welcome? He’s buildOn’s Chief U.S. Program Officer and he’s walking in our Steps for Students challenge in honor of his mom! Hear his story and how he’s working to transform communities across America in our new blog post.

Fitch, in partnership with buildOn, has successfully broken ground to build a new primary school in the vibrant community of Ramnagar, Nepal. This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering education and empowering communities around the world. Over the course of a week, our dedicated volunteers collaborated closely with local community members, working hand in hand to bring this project to life. Shared meals with host families and cultural exchange sessions enriched the experience, deepening the bond between volunteers and the community . Home to 150 households and a population exceeding 1,000, Ramnagar will get significant benefits from the new school. Currently, 125 students are enrolled, but once construction is completed, the school is expected to serve approximately 400 students, including those from neighboring villages. The three schools we have built this year in Senegal, Guatemala and Nepal highlight the power of collaboration and the incredible outcomes we can achieve when we unite with a shared vision. Many thanks to BuildOn and to every volunteer who contributed their time, energy, and passion to make this a reality. #QualityEducation #CommunityEngagement

“For me, empathy means greeting the new person in school, making them feel welcomed, and showing them community… Sometimes it just takes one person to say ‘I see you. You are not alone.’”—Ana Paiva, buildOn Alum ‘22 Today is World Mental Health Day. Make the call, ask someone how they’re really doing, and don’t go through it alone. We are better together.