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Financial Accountability Procedures.
When we went to Nigeria on our fact finding mission in February 2009, we asked our Nigerian Partners to set up a bank account into order to receive the funds for the project sent from the USA. We arranged with them for a system of financial accountability, whereby they would send us an estimate of needs such as costs of materials and labor. We would then forward the money to their dedicated bank account in Nigeria. Once they had spent the money forwarded to their account, they would send us photos of the progress and request further funds so that they could move to the next phase. We opened an account in the name of AEP with our bank in Connecticut to receive donations from US supporters. This system has worked very well for the last nine years. At our first fundraising banquet we received pledges amounting to a total of $39,000. These funds were used to make a start on the first phase of the project. In addition to the pledge drive we also made the needs of the project known as widely as possible through our newsletter, website and word of mouth. These efforts have brought in a steady flow of donations from individuals. In addition we have approached several small foundations and received grants for specific needs such as textbooks, a copy machine and computers for the school office.
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Financial Overview
It is hard to believe that it has been just over a year since our fundraising banquet in support of Grace International School in Gusau, Nigeria. Our friend, Bishop John Danbinta, shared his vision of a school in his diocese that would provide a quality education for all children, regardless of gender, faith or ethnic background. The people of the Gusau Diocese have embraced the idea and are excited about this new school. In February of 2009, several board members made the trip to Gusau to see the land that was purchased for Grace International School. The Nigerian committee established to oversee the project was there to greet and discuss plans for the school compound of three classroom buildings and an additional building to house teachers. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious and we were excited to partner with them by raising money for this school, starting with the banquet held in October of 2009. The total cost of the complex is somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000, a very small amount by American standards. Right: A view of foundation construction during the early stages of construction. Now we need your help more than ever. While the initial fundraising effort yielded an amazing $39,000, the monies have been almost depleted with the construction of the first classroom building. Please consider making a donation to help complete the first classroom building - it needs a roof! Above: The first floor of building one is completed and is awaiting a roof! The school is being built in a new housing development that is rapidly expanding as many new homes are built. |
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