Founder of Ghanaian Non-Profit Shares How 'Adanu' Builds Schools, Empowers Communities

Richard Yinkah Launching New Book: 'Adanu: Helping that Helps'

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Oct 19, 2017, 08:35 ET

RENTON, Wash., Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard Yinkah, founder of the Ghanaian non-profit organization Adanu, is sharing inspiring stories behind the group's 15 years of building schools while empowering villages in the rural Volta region of Ghana in West Africa. He's written a new book with Shelly Morse and Karen Lynn Maher entitled Adanu: Helping that Helps.

A new completed school building in Ghana's Volta region, completed with help from the non-profit organization Adanu.

Richard Yinkah, Executive Director of Adanu, a non-profit organization that helps villages in Ghana build schools to create opportunity for villagers and their children.

"I lost my father at age 10, and that was also the last time I saw my mother so I went to live with my auntie," said Yinkah. "I could only afford to attend what was called a 'chicken coop' school because it didn't have any walls. When I was 19, with three other founders, we started Adanu so that other children could learn inside a school building and receive a better education. Adanu means 'wise collaboration' in our native Ewe language."

What sets Adanu apart from other organizations that construct schools in Africa is its model that relies on respecting the dignity of each person in the community. First, Yinkah and the Adanu team assess the village to see if people are ready to make a long-term commitment to the project. Next is engaging the villagers in the entire process.

"We want people to take ownership of the school and see how they can use their own resources to be successful," explained Yinkah. "While we provide guidance and some funding, much of the actual construction is done by people in the village who use water, rocks and sand to make bricks, lay the foundation and build the school."

Finally, community partnerships are born out of the village's commitment to education, joining with others to create educational programs and provide teachers. Adanu has teamed with such organizations as energy consulting firm Mosaic, Bright Light Volunteers, and Global Hope Alliance, as well as Michigan State University and New York University to provide leadership, volunteers, and funding. Success is measured by higher student test scores, and improved economies in villages where schools are located.

Since 2002, Adanu has helped villages build more than 28 schools, and coordinate with more than 1,000 volunteers, impacting upwards of 30,000 students. With the publication of the book, Adanu is also launching a campaign to raise $75,000 in 2018 to build three more schools.

A book launch party is set for November 4^th, 2017 from 7-9pm in Renton, Washington hosted by Friends of Adanu. For more information to attend the book launch, please call 206-227-3043.

For more information about Adanu and how to volunteer or donate, please visit www.adanu.org. The book, Adanu: Helping that Helps, is available by clicking here.

CONTACT FOR MEDIA INTERVIEWS:
Margo Myers
Margo Myers Communications
206-604-4535
[email protected]

About the Authors: Richard Yinkah is the founder and Executive Director of Adanu. He's currently studying for a master's degree in Governance and Sustainable Development at the University of Cape Coast. He's grown Adanu from a small organization headquartered in his aunt's store room to a thriving organization positively impacting communities across Ghana.

Shelly Morse is a primary benefactor of Adanu. She and her husband, Clint Morse, own the Mosaic company in Renton, Washington. In Ghana, they call her Mama Shelly.

Karen Lynn Maher owns LegacyONE Authors Publishing in Kirkland, Washington. She guides thought leaders to write nonfiction books that share their story and convey their expertise.

SOURCE Adanu