GRACELAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (GIS)
Gusau, the capital city of Zamfara state in north-west Nigeria, has a population comprised of approximately 90% Muslims and 10% Christians. In a country where religious tension is a daily reality, the building of a school in this area was indeed a challenge.
Begun in 2009, the building of the Graceland International School (GIS) campus has taken care, time, and strategic planning. Thanks to Bishop John Danbinta's hard work in establishing a positive presence within the community, the school is a flourishing, fully-accredited campus and is considered a school of rigor. The school enjoys full support from community and religious leaders. The school board is comprised of both Muslims and Christians. The student population is approximately 35% Muslim and 65% Christian, and attendance is equally divided between girls and boys. About 65% of our graduates continue on to university.
We take great pride in the accomplishments of our partners with the funding provided by our generous donors. In a part of the world full of challenges, Graceland International School serves as a model of how children and communities can come together to learn about and understand one other.
Begun in 2009, the building of the Graceland International School (GIS) campus has taken care, time, and strategic planning. Thanks to Bishop John Danbinta's hard work in establishing a positive presence within the community, the school is a flourishing, fully-accredited campus and is considered a school of rigor. The school enjoys full support from community and religious leaders. The school board is comprised of both Muslims and Christians. The student population is approximately 35% Muslim and 65% Christian, and attendance is equally divided between girls and boys. About 65% of our graduates continue on to university.
We take great pride in the accomplishments of our partners with the funding provided by our generous donors. In a part of the world full of challenges, Graceland International School serves as a model of how children and communities can come together to learn about and understand one other.
DORMITORY COMPLEX (nearing completion)
COST: $190,000
Our latest project at Graceland International School has proven the most challenging. Material shortages, soaring costs, and economic instability exacerbated by the Covid pandemic led to major cost overruns. Thankfully, the deep friendships established over many years of working together have helped us weather these storms.
Education in Nigeria is compulsory through age 15 or the equivalent of grade 9. Senior secondary schools (high school), educating students in grades 10-12, are fewer in number and sometimes non-existent, depending on the area of the country.
Schools offering secondary education find it necessary to offer boarding facilities so that students from farther distances may continue their education as opposed to entering the workforce at age 15. Such was the case at Graceland. As the school gained an educational presence as a place for a quality education, a dormitory complex became a priority.
The walled, adjacent parcel of land was the perfect location. After reviewing blueprints, fundraising, and surviving the supply chain and economic issues created by the Covid pandemic, ground was broken in early 2021. When completed, the structure will easily house an additional 100 students. In addition to separate wings for girls and boys, the facility includes toilets, showers, laundry facilities, a kitchen, and dining hall.
Construction is nearing completion. Prior to the mandatory state inspection, the dormitory will be outfitted with beds, desks, chairs, storage lockers, dining hall tables, and kitchen appliances. Also in the plans is the digging of additional wells to provide enough water for washing clothes and showering. The official dedication is tentatively planned for March of 2023.
Our latest project at Graceland International School has proven the most challenging. Material shortages, soaring costs, and economic instability exacerbated by the Covid pandemic led to major cost overruns. Thankfully, the deep friendships established over many years of working together have helped us weather these storms.
Education in Nigeria is compulsory through age 15 or the equivalent of grade 9. Senior secondary schools (high school), educating students in grades 10-12, are fewer in number and sometimes non-existent, depending on the area of the country.
Schools offering secondary education find it necessary to offer boarding facilities so that students from farther distances may continue their education as opposed to entering the workforce at age 15. Such was the case at Graceland. As the school gained an educational presence as a place for a quality education, a dormitory complex became a priority.
The walled, adjacent parcel of land was the perfect location. After reviewing blueprints, fundraising, and surviving the supply chain and economic issues created by the Covid pandemic, ground was broken in early 2021. When completed, the structure will easily house an additional 100 students. In addition to separate wings for girls and boys, the facility includes toilets, showers, laundry facilities, a kitchen, and dining hall.
Construction is nearing completion. Prior to the mandatory state inspection, the dormitory will be outfitted with beds, desks, chairs, storage lockers, dining hall tables, and kitchen appliances. Also in the plans is the digging of additional wells to provide enough water for washing clothes and showering. The official dedication is tentatively planned for March of 2023.