2010
The construction of Graceland International School began. The foundation was dug by hand and gravel, sand and binder trucked in as laborers made the cinder blocks that formed the walls. Slowly, the walls were built and a two-story building emerged. Our partners kept up apprised of progress through email, phone calls, and photos.
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2011
Our second trip in 2011 allowed us to view the beginnings of the structure that would become Classroom Block 1. After touring the site, we were able to meet with teachers and parents to gain an understanding of a shared vision for the school. Concerns were raised, questions posed and answered, and plans made for continuation.
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2013
Travel to Nigeria’s northern region was still considered unsafe; however a trip was made to the north-central region in a safer location. Teachers from Graceland International School traveled south for the first teacher training workshops. Our second benefit dinner was held in February to raise awareness and continue the building process. A partner from Nigeria was in attendance. The first class of students entered in late September; residents began registering their children- of all ages. The building was quickly filled and plans to expand by hiring more teachers for the different academic levels was discussed.
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2014
In April, a second building was started so that the students of the elementary grades could be grouped together in separate classrooms from the students of high school age. A less complex, single-storey building was constructed and the classes moved for the start of school in late September. AEP is officially recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Teacher training was again conducted away from the area of the school as travel to the far north was unadvisable. Paul Frank and Angela DiMezza from Akron, Ohio, supporters of Grace International School, were voted onto the Board.
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2015
Graceland International School receives accreditation from Zamfara State and can now serve as a host school for the West Africa Board exams (similar to SAT College Boards in the USA)- quite an accomplishment! An examination hall was started in the fall in the hopes of being ready for the spring exam window. Thanks to generous AEP Board Member Paul Frank,from St. Paul’s Church, Akron, Graceland International School has a new school bus! AEP welcomes The Rev. Amjad Samuel to the board. Teacher training occurs away from the school site during the summer. Our third benefit dinner was held in October to raise additional funds for the exam hall.
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2016
In March, members of the board traveled to Nigeria and were finally cleared to safely travel north to the school- the first time on five years. It was an emotional visit, as members were able to observe students in Chemistry and Physics classes, with a healthy population of girls. Thirty-five students sat for their West Africa Board exams in April. All students passed, with one of our girls receiving the highest scores in all Zamfara State! A summer trip for teacher training was held near the school site in the far north with twenty-five teachers in attendance. Discussions ensued and future plans discussed. In October, several of our partners travel to Connecticut on a good-will trip to further plans for the future. Our Akron friends join us for an all-day planning retreat. A second floor is added to the exam hall building. The plan is to move the space for exams to the second floor and convert the first floor to space for a computer lab, medic center, and administrative offices. The wall around the school buildings was extended to include additional land that was previously purchased in order to prevent encroachment. The project is a large one and will take some time to complete. A hospital building is started on land bordering Graceland International School. This will hopefully provide our students with real-world opportunities to mentor with professionals from the medical community. The Board welcomes Hank Rau and Shelly Traska to AEP. March 2016 - Examination Hall Completed April 2016 - Wall Fundraiser can you help? Sept 2016 - Next Steps for Graceland International School |