Blessed be the tie that binds us in pursuit of life and liberty. For some of us, the tie was forged in Cape Coast, where one would encounter names such Adisadel, Aggrey Memorial, Ghana National, Holy Child, Mfantsipm, Saint Augustine’s, Wesley Girls, and further afield, Mfantsiman. The tie that binds many of us is education, and depending on one’s environment in Ghana, the names listed above would be different.

It’s not my intent to drag the reader along on a sentimental walk through Kotokraba in Cape Coast, but rather to elicit from the reader a recollection of the institution(s) that shaped his or her ascent into adulthood, and hopefully channel that sentiment into a financial commitment to support education projects in Ghana.

Progress in Education Inc., (PIE) was organized in August 2000 as a tax-exempt charitable organization to advance education and learning in Ghana, and also to promote cross cultural understanding between the peoples of Ghana and the United States of America. PIE is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, with diverse professional backgrounds including accounting, engineering, law and medicine. In addition, an advisory board supports the work of the board of directors.

To accomplish PIE’s mission, PIE receives donations (deductible as a charitable contribution), and makes grants to secondary schools in Ghana. These grants have been in the form of computers, overhead projectors, science laboratory glassware, and other science equipment such as dissecting kits, microscopes, and lab scales. We do not simply walk away after donations, but follow up to ensure that the donated items are where they should be, and solicit feedback (video and written) from students and school officials alike. Since our founding in 2000, we estimate that we have touched the lives of over 13,000 secondary school students and teachers in thirteen schools in the Ashanti, Greater Accra, Central, Western, Eastern and Volta Regions of Ghana.

PIE needs your support to expand the list of schools beyond the thirteen we have assisted to date and to touch more lives. Our latest press release is available: www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/diaspora/artikel.php?ID=131578

To meet our current fundraising target of $25,000, PIE would like to add 10 advisory board members, and an additional director. Qualifications of a director include the capacity to raise between $5,000 -$10,000 annually. Advisory board members provide input in shaping our grant distributions, are encouraged to make financial contributions, and promote PIE’s mission in their communities. . Hopefully, you are now asking how you can help fulfill PIE’s mission. You have an opportunity to help your alma mater, or a school located in your hometown, so work with us to shape the future. The lifecycle of a donation is about 18 months. Our contact information can be obtained at www.progressineducation.org . It’s my hope that the commitment of kindred minds will enable Progress in Education to reach its goal of raising $25,000 in our current campaign. This will enable us to strengthen the tie that binds, for another generation of secondary school students.

On behalf of Progress in Education, Inc (PIE), thank you. Griffiths R. Ayiteyfio, President, Progress in Education, Inc.