ACC and it's on-the-ground partner Eshowe Community Action Group (ECAG) do it right. There's so much integrity on both sides, not only for the dollars being granted but for the communities and eager, young learners they're serving. Right now the classrooms can't be built fast enough for all the communities needing them (there's an approved waiting list of 150+!). With ACC, I know my gifts are valued and can really make a difference.
After reviewing many nonprofits, I choose to donate to this one because it has shown its undeniable impact on the students and communities it serves. I feel confident that my contributions are being used wisely.
Africa Classroom Connection has passionate volunteers that are working hard for a great cause. They are driven by their mission!
I am a product of the South African public school system and the need ACC is fulfilling is more important now than ever. I am grateful for all that they do to promote education in a country that still fails so many of its rural children whose only chance out of poverty. Thank you ACC.
This is an organization addressing a core issue within rural South Africa. I’ve visited South Africa many times and the lack of resources is something that needs to be desperately addressed.
Africa Classroom Connection is making real, tangible strides in empowering the Kwazulu Natal region of South Africa, where education suffered greatly under apartheid and left a legacy of inequality that persists to this day. ACC seeks to remedy this inequity by providing the physical space necessary for classroom instruction. By directly partnering with local communities to build schools, we ensure that our efforts are sustainable and truly meet the needs of those we serve, maximizing the impact of every dollar we raise.
Each classroom we construct represents a step towards healing historical wounds and opening doors of opportunity for countless children.
In today's interconnected world, I believe that it's crucial to embrace our role as global citizens. ACC provides a meaningful way to contribute to positive change beyond our borders, addressing the lingering effects of systemic injustice through education.
I have been involved with this organization for the past 5 years and they consistently impress me. The work they do makes a real impact in Africa as education and literacy is the key to progress.
Jessica Dilly
The good works and amazing people of this charity stand out among the best of the best. The passion displayed and the dedication are unsurpassed. The importance of schooling, reading, and education are vital to the development and success of people around the world. Building classrooms in South Africa also builds confident, educated future leaders which will benefit the area in innumerable ways.
This organization does amazing, passionate, valuable work!
My family and I have been supporting Africa Classroom Connection for several years. We value the regular updates they provide about the classrooms they have built and the positive impact these have had on the students. As a college student, I cannot imagine attending classes under a tree in the rain or extreme heat. Education is fundamental to any society and I am thrilled to support all ACC’s work for South African students.
Africa Classroom Connection is a wonderful organization with an inspiring mission. Educating young minds all across the globe is the key to the future of humanity. Building classrooms so that children can have access to education is powerful. I feel honored and empowered to be able make a difference in someone’s life. It makes me happy and fulfilled to be able to support Africa Classroom Connection.
Africa Classroom Connection is passionate about providing education to rural areas in South Africa and its Executive Director is dedicated and unwavering in fulfilling its mission. Such a great organization!
I learned about Africa Classroom Connection through my sister, Robyn Coquyt. I have seen the photos, heard the stories from her first hand knowledge of this nonprofit, as she has been to Africa several times working with this organization. The building of these classrooms have given these children a safe environment to achieve an education, that is taken for granted in so many other areas in the world. The dreams of higher education start in these classrooms.
this is an amazing nonprofit with direct impact to communities. so grateful for the opportunity to support the incredible work that they do.
I know what Africa Classroom Connection does through my mother-in-law and father-in-law, from South Africa.
The individual stories they tell of how children in zululand are not guaranteed an education and how important it is to have an educated future generation!
One thing that is certain is that we are all connected - our world, the environment, the wildlife and resources.
I cannot wait to go see the schools ACC has built soon, but for now, I am glad to support this charity and the incredible work they do and communities they support.
I know every penny gets to building schools and is accounted for through the Rotarians in SA.
Africa Classroom Connection is one of the most amazing charities I have ever encountered. Its goal – to build classrooms in a part of South Africa that desperately needs them – is accomplished by involving the residents of the country’s rural KwaZulu-Natal province.
To be considered, communities must pay a deposit of 3 percent toward the classrooms and make their case for why they should be chosen. Grants are awarded by a local organization. Then local workers are hired for construction, helping the local economy and teaching important job skills. The government of South Africa agrees to provide teachers for the new classrooms.
The Africa Classroom Connection board picks up ALL administrative costs, so that every dollar you donate goes to building classrooms. To date, more than 135 new classrooms have been used by more than 49,000 students. But the need for help remains great, with more than 100 communities on the wait list.
In a van with other ACC supporters in 2016, my husband and I traveled to remote parts of KZN to see some of the schools ACC had made possible. It was truly heartening: The students were so enthusiastic, their teachers so dedicated, and the families so supportive. Better education is the foundation of a stronger future for all the citizens of South Africa.
Africa Classroom Connection is a small NGO with a huge impact. Over the last two decades, ACC has built more than 135 classrooms and served more than 49,000 children in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. My wife and I have been in these classrooms, and we’ve met these kids. Their spirit is amazing. Some of them walk miles to school – some barefoot – because they truly understand the importance of education. They understand why it’s important to them and their families and their future, but also to their communities and their country. I found myself wishing I could bottle a little of their spirit and bring it home to sprinkle on American kids. South Africa is crucial to the future of the African continent, and education is crucial to the future of South Africa. ACC is making a difference.
We had a wonderful experience on our trip to Africa with Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) ,where we visited some of the communities and classrooms that ACC had helped to build. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the parents and community leaders in these underserved communities and were pleasantly surprised to find that in spite of limited resources, harsh living conditions and the presence of diseases such as AIDS and malaria, the people seemed happy…and grateful for what ACC might be able to provide to help for a better education for their children. Then we met with some of the teachers , who shared with us their journey to become educators and the dreams they had for their students.They expressed their gratitude for the support they received from ACC and how the new classrooms helped their teaching environment and created nice spaces for learning. Then we were welcomed by the joyful voices of children. The students, (who were called learners), were eager and determined to recite lessons, sing some spirited songs, and smile for pictures …especially the selfies!
As we reflect on our journey to Africa with ACC, we enjoyed a positive feeling of hope and joy. We were inspired by the impact that more classrooms can have for the people in those villages, and continue to support ACC’s mission to help assisting with that mission.
Thanks to Africa Classroom Connection over 125 classrooms have been built for student learners in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Zululand communities raise 3% deposits and do building preparation work as their part of classroom investment. Local efforts are matched with 95% of the cost in their partnership with Africa Classroom Connection. My travel experience of meeting KwaZulu-Natal students and teachers in their new classrooms 15 years ago made me a financial supporter. More funding help is needed for over 100 communities still on the waiting list.
Africa Classroom Connection has changed the lives of rural kids by providing a classroom setting where they can learn and thrive. The enthusiasm that the students have for learning within these classroom spaces has been remarkable, all because they now have a safe, sheltered space to convene.
The ACC is a fantastic organization. Their staff are incredibly professional and are always there to answer any of your questions. They put on fantastic events that are not only fun, but also have informative/serious parts where you get to see and hear about impact they have made on so many communities.
This is a non-profit that is truly making a difference in our world, by educating youth who are so incredibly eager to learn. The ACC Board Members, Staff, and Volunteers are all dedicated and driven to reach as many children as their resources will allow them to. Success stories abound of kids who later go on to hold positions of leadership in their communities - because ACC helped by giving them a chance when they were young and impressionable. This is a non-profit worth supporting.
I absolutely love supporting African Classroom Connection. The work they do is invaluable to help educate kids around Africa. Education is the key to development and I cannot think of a better way to do this than to partner with Africa Classroom Connection.
I was raised in Southern Africa during Apartheid and went to middle school near the schools that Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) builds there.
10 years ago I moved to the US and heard about ACC through a friend in Rotary. After doing some research I realized what amazing an essential gap they fill to create a safe place for kids to go to school in the rural areas where they live.
I was so impressed and touched by their mission that I accpeted a position as a board member 5 years ago.
Great org!
Africa Classroom Connection is a fantastic organization! Building a classroom to provide education for children is the main focus of the organization, but the secondary benefits are extraordinary. Children gain a sense of belonging and empowerment, they go on to become contributing members of society, and communities are enriched and sustained for generations!
We have chosen Africa Classroom Connection as we are from South Africa and now live in Minneapolis as we have seen the work that this organization does. It's a gem! We know the needs in South Africa are many based on the years of apartheid and the devastation it inflicted. The founder (Henry Bromelkamp) of this nonprofit is from Minneapolis (not a South African which makes this so much more impressive) and on a trip to SA years ago, he saw the need and came back to USA and started Africa Classroom Connection. At first he gave his own money and slowly he built a solid board and donar base which my wife and I are part of now. Every dollar goes to helping the community and building classrooms. The locals learn important building skills, the kids get to go to school and even adult learners use these classrooms. We know the people on the ground in Eshowe and the Rotary group that partners with us, and that every dollar we send goes into building the classrooms. - Neville Basman
We have been so impressed by this non-profit as each and every board member we have met, puts their heart and soul into helping Zulu children in Eshowe Natal go to school. Every penny goes to helping the kids and building the schools. There is transparency in this charity which is one reason we are happy to support them. We hope to someday go on a learning tour to South Africa and see the classrooms and meet the kids. We know others that have gone and it's life changing. We are from USA and have been blessed by our own public schools, but in many parts of the world such as Kwa-Zulu Natal, not every child can go to school and its never taken for granted. While these children are a world away, we all must help each other globally, which translates into stability for people, survival of the wildlife, the oceans and the environment - education is key to this! - Mavis M.
A wonderful organization ran by passionate people! I've never met such passionate people who genuinely care about what they're doing to help others. A strong mission, and a dedicated staff, make this organization one of the best I've ever worked with. I support Robyn and her team's mission 100%
Africa Classroom Connection’s work is incredibly important in allowing children to grow into their potential. Education changes everything for them. And they deserve a shot at it all!
Fantastic organization to connect with - strong mission and focus on improving lives through education, focused leadership that is driven by the mission, and a strong ability to connect with donors and partner organizations so all are valued and included. As a donor, your contributions of time, resources, or talent go directly to the mission of expanding educational opportunities - no wasted effort to ensure maximum impact of the mission
I was introduced to ACC years ago by a friend, who was and still is on the Board. I am impressed with ACC's mission, and the significant accomplishments toward achieving that mission. The Executive Director and Board demonstrate the highest level of professionalism in correspondence and actions, which is one of the reasons why I continue to donate to this organization. In addition, the hosted events are fun as well as educational, and have allowed me to interact with individuals served by the funds raised. It is an honor to contribute to this organization!
I had the privilege to participate in two learning tours. The first in 2010 made clear the difficult school conditions for these rural South African learners. Bringing maps and sharing stories helped build bridges among us. Four years later, my niece and nephew joined me on a repeat tour.... and on this tour -- of the schools we visited -- two I'd seen in 2010. The difference made by the addition of one or two classrooms created the space to for more learners to be sheltered and opened financial resources for the school to add more learning resources. Even one more classroom opens doors for many.
I recently joined the board of ACC. They are a great group of people who are passionate about alleviating restrictions around education. It is important work. It is personal. ACC is building classrooms in my home town in South Africa! This is a great non-profit to support.
ACC is a wonderful organisation addressing a largely unknown need...allowing learners in a remote part of South Africa to shelter while they learn! This is something that we in the US take for granted.
i have been involves with ACC for several years in various roles from observer, to donor ,to board member , and I can attest to the adherence to its vision at all times. ACC provides not only classroom space but also community engagement and support for villages where classrooms become the heart of the community. It is an honor to support students who deserve the opportunity education provides.
Michelle Biros
As a newer Board Member, I am constantly impressed with the dedication of the staff, volunteers, and board members of this organization. I chose to become involved because they have an amazing mission and are fiscally responsible. Everyone involved is committed to ensuring there is a future in rural South Africa where every student has access to a classroom in which to learn.
Africa Classroom Connection is a wonderful organization that raises money to build classrooms for young learners in South Africa. The board members do their due diligence by traveling to South Africa to ensure the classrooms are built and are full of children ready to learn. No longer do they have to learn under trees outside but have a space to learn away from the weather (hot, sand storm, rain). These young learners are the next generation of leaders in South Africa. Tammie Follett
The work of Africa Classroom Connection is notable because it works with community members to honor their lived experiences and respect their expertise. Community members express interest in and a need for safe, productive learning environments and ACC's classrooms provide just that. ACC promotes education as a human right and recognizes that knowledge is power!
I have been privileged to be able to go on two learning tours to South Africa to see the impact these classrooms have on the students and the community. Without seeing it first hand, it’s hard to understand the obstacles these kids face just to get an education. I think one of the reasons ACC is successful, is that the community is invested in these classrooms. Prior to a classroom being built, they must provide a teacher and pay a portion of the cost. You can be assured your donations will be well spent. I highly recommend this organization.
Africa Classroom Connection (ACC) has partnered with a Rotary-founded group named Eshowe Community Action Group for 15 years to build school classrooms in the Kwazulu Natal region of South Africa. Education of the native population of this area suffered greatly under apartheid. ACC seeks to remedy this inequity and give the children of the region the opportunity to make the most of themselves through providing the physical space in which to receive classroom instruction.
I've been a volunteer for Africa Classroom Connection for many years. The work they are doing is so needed and appreciated by the children in South Africa and Malawi. The classrooms that have been built by ACC have changed the lives of thousands of children and even more in the future. They have organized tours of South Africa which include a chance to visit some of the classrooms so visitors can see how their donations were used, and as importantly gives the students a chance to say thank you to the donors. It is a win-win for everyone!
I admire that the board is volunteer-based and that almost all dollars donated go directly to funding classrooms.
I've worked at schools in South Africa, so know first hand how it is. These classrooms provide so much more than must needed education for the children. They support adult learners, the community, skills from building these classrooms and now thousands of people are educated because of them. In South Africa we need every hand on deck to tackle a modern economy and also protect this vital country from poachers and greed and need from outside countries that use up precious resources. Education is key and we all linked up in this global community. I have supported Africa Classrooms for years and see how committed everyone is.
This organization is phenomenal. Very little of the donations it receives goes to running it, instead it goes towards building classrooms. I can not recommend supporting this highly enough. My husband and I have contributed since its inception, and the students that it has affected are extraordinarily humble and grateful for the opportunity to have a classroom.