December 2001

We are now able to accept tax deductible donations!
The Kedzi School Foundation is a non-profit and charitable organization. Cheques may be sent to:

Please email Sharon DeGiorgis in Baird's Oakville office when you have information, photos or ideas for this web site.

Five posters have been developed to tell the story of the Kedzi School Project. They may be viewed by clicking on the titles below.

• Geography and History
• Kedzi School and Community
• Community Activities
• Flooding and Erosion
• Keta Sea Defence Project

Background

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) and Baird & Associates (Baird) are working on a large engineering and construction project to protect several communities in Ghana, West Africa from flooding and erosion. Decisions have been taken by the Government of Ghana to limit the extent of the project (due to financial considerations) such that the school in the community of Kedzi will not be protected from flooding and erosion. In addition, the first floor elevation of the existing school is simply too low to prevent flooding from the sea and lagoon. Therefore, even if the school was within the zone protected by the sea defence project it would have to be demolished and reconstructed at a flood proof elevation. Baird and GLDD have launched a fund raising program to assist the local community in constructing a new school. Also anticipated is a form of exchange to encourage communications and friendship between the students of Kedzi and North America. The local representatives are most interested in this proposal and have provided a "wish list" for the new school. The school has approximately 350 students. We have estimates from local contractor in the range of $100,000 - $150,000 to reconstruct the school according to the specifications provided by the school and community. The community have offered their help in the reconstruction. Any excess funds will be directed to other educational needs in the community.

Goals and Objectives

The two primary goals of the Kedzi School project are to improve the conditions for education at the school and to foster communication and friendships between the students of Kedzi School and schools in North America.

Specific objectives of the project include:

• Raise approximately $150,000 to finance the construction of a new school at Kedzi. The existing school structure is prone to flooding and erosion and will not be protected by the Keta Sea Defence Project.
• Initiate projects to encourage communication between students in Kedzi and those in North America (the Kedzi area has unique and interesting culture, history, geography and ecology).

Questions and Suggestions?

Any questions or suggestions should be directed for now to Jeff MacNabb in Ottawa or Larry Ryan in the Madison office of Baird. It is planned that the web site will also provide a conduit for inquiries and information.