Current Projects

Reforestation Project - In order to mitigate current deforestation in our communities, Global Alliance for Community Empowerment have begun a tree planting project. We purchase young trees and distribute them to small towns and villages. This is a perpetual project and we would like to expand it throughout West Africa.

School Roof Project - Following our goal to focus on education and empowerment of young Africans, we undertook another school project in May 2005. We donated and installed new metal roofs on two school buildings in Agborode, Togo.

Fair Trade Shea Butter - Unrefined shea butter is a valuable natural resource for West Africa and can be an important tool in empowering local communities. However, most shea butter on the market in the United States and Europe is not fairly traded. The women who gather shea nuts and hand craft this remarkable oil receive only a tiny fraction of the final price. GACE is actively educating shea producers and consumers about the importance of fairly trading this indigenous African resource. Read more...

School Supplies & Scholarships - The future of Africa and the world rests with our children, and it is essential for them to have access to the skills and knowledge necessary to live in today's complicated and changing world. GACE is working together with the Agbanga Karite Group and Alaffia Fair Trade Shea Butter to provide needed school supplies and scholarships to schools and students in their communities. See more...

Bicycles for Education - In January, 2005 we instigated our Bicycles for Education program. We are gathering used, functional bicycles in the United States to distribute to students in Togo. Students will complete a training session on the benefits of bicycles as alternative transportation and basic bicycle maintenance. These bicycles are targeted for rural students whose families cannot afford bicycles and who must walk over 10 kilometers a day to attend school. Read more...

Shea Tree Conservation - Shea trees in central Togo and other areas of West Africa are being seriously threatened by charcoal production. Historically, these trees are protected since they are a source of valuable shea nuts. However, increasing population pressure and needs for cooking fuel are taking their tole on shea trees. GACE and the Agbanga Karite Group have begun a program to encourage shea tree conservation and planting in their communities. Read more...

Planned Projects

Biogas Digesters - One of our biggest concerns is the affect of continuing deforestation in our communities. Biogas digesters ferment household and animal waste and produce natural gas, which can be used for cooking and lighting. Biogas units have been used successfuly in India for decades, and have the potential to help people and the environment in our communities as well. Read more about biogas digesters...

Wetland Wastewater Systems - In most parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there are little or no wastewater or sewage systems. Wetlands are natural wastewater treament systems, and can be constructed or modified to treat wastewater very economically, especially in tropical climates. Many natural wetlands are currently being overloaded and degraded by pollutants. Often, areas of these wetlands can be modified and managed to treat wastewaters so that the remaining wetlands are protected. Read more about tropical wetlands and wastewater treatment...