Background Statement
Africa School Assistance Project (ASAP) was born in 2007 from the vision of a small group of Denver residents — a community of globally conscious friends who had experienced life and travel throughout Africa. Witnessing the myriad challenges to education and the transformative power of equitable, quality learning, ASAP was founded with a commitment to make a lasting impact.
Since its inception, ASAP has grown deliberately, engaging volunteers for school building and fundraising while maintaining a grassroots approach. Over the years, we've established twelve community schools in rural Tanzania, annually serving over 8,000 students. These schools, created in partnership with local communities, ensure not only access to education but also local ownership and long-term sustainability.
After several years of developing community schools, it became clear that ASAP must pay special attention to girls' education. Most girls in East Africa, including Tanzania, face terrible challenges that prevent them from completing their secondary education. Sexual assault, early pregnancies, marriage, traditional cultural pressures, and a lack of inspiration lead to low enrollment & graduation rates for girls in secondary school.
However, the benefits of education for girls are indisputable. Girls who receive a secondary education will marry later, have higher family incomes, tolerate less domestic violence, have fewer children and at an older age, and give their children better care, thereby reducing infant mortality rates. And, AIDS spreads twice as quickly among uneducated girls than among girls with some education. Suffice it to say no other independent initiative is comparable to girl's education for promoting holistic social development.
Recognizing the undeniable benefits of education for girls, ASAP launched The Kupanda Project in 2014. This initiative has empowered 144 girls annually, dramatically increasing completion rates from 4% to an impressive 96%, reaching 100% in 2022. The project goes beyond academics, addressing the broader challenges that hinder girls from completing their secondary education.
Moreover, ASAP's commitment extends beyond the classroom. Health programming has reached tens of thousands of students and community members, contributing to holistic well-being and resilience. Scholarships for girls ensure they have the resources and support needed to pursue advanced secondary education, university studies, and beyond.
This impactful journey, from building community schools to empowering girls through The Kupanda Project, has been made possible by a generous community of supporters. Their belief in the transformative power of education continues to fuel ASAP's mission to make quality education accessible to all, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.
Join us in this inspiring journey. Your support not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to holistic social development in the communities we serve.