Africa School Assistance Project

A nonprofit organization

Africa School Assistance Project (ASAP): Empowering Futures Through Education

ASAP is a beacon of hope, dedicated to transforming the educational landscape in rural Tanzania. For over 15 years, we've pioneered community-driven school development, recognizing that true change begins at the grassroots. Our mission extends beyond constructing classrooms; we empower communities to own, manage, and sustain schools. From infrastructure development to teacher training, health initiatives, and fostering STEM education, our holistic approach uplifts entire regions, breaking the cycle of poverty. We've already catalyzed the establishment of twelve community schools, impacting over 7,500 children. These schools, managed by their communities, boast impressive academic results, with completion rates approaching 100%. By supporting ASAP, donors become architects of change, illuminating the path to a brighter future for countless children who, with education, rewrite their stories.

Why our Work Matters:

In Tanzania, where educational opportunities are scarce, ASAP's work is a lifeline for rural communities. Our model not only builds schools but creates ecosystems where education thrives. Beyond literacy, we invest in teacher excellence, student health, and technological literacy. Donors to ASAP aren't just funding projects; they're sparking a transformative ripple effect that echoes through generations. Each dollar invested becomes a catalyst for sustainable change, breaking barriers to education and fostering a future where every child, regardless of their background, has the tools to shape their destiny. Join ASAP in rewriting the narrative of education in Tanzania, where every donation isn't just a contribution but a promise for a brighter tomorrow.



Testimonials

"The positive impact ASAP has had on the children and our entire community has been enormous. Working side by side with us ASAP has helped bring hope and a brighter future to Mbaaseny. It is my hope that someday the president of our country comes from our school."
- Mr. Lorry, Headmaster, Mbasseny Primary School, Tanzania

"The Africa School Assistance Project has accomplished a great deal in a short period of time. I have seen a lot of well-meaning organizations come and go. I am confident ASAP is here to stay and will have a long-lasting positive impact on the villages of Tanzania"
- Prof Eustella Bhalalusesa, Commissioner of Education, Tanzania

"My travels to Africa with ASAP have changed my world view dramatically. Spending time with students in Tanzania has opened my eyes to how vastly different my life is from the lives of the majority of people around the world, and how lucky I am as an American to have clean water, freedom of speech, and access to education."
-- Emma Roberts, past ASAP volunteer (2011, 2012, 2013)

Mission

OUR MISSION:

ASAP is dedicated to improving education for children in rural Tanzanian communities, particularly girls, so they may pursue a brighter future for themselves, their families and their communities.

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.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Africa School Assistance Project

other names

ASAP

Year Established

2009

Tax id (EIN)

26-0784811

Category

Education

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

Africa School Assistance Project 191 University Blvd. #285
Denver, CO 80206

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

TZ

Mwanza, Mwanza Region, TZ

Arusha, Arusha Region, TZ