How We Do It
Our organization generates and supports community-based programs within the United States in order to connect children worldwide. Our goal is to educate, motivate, and inspire children and families to take action and lead the way as global citizens of our world. Kids and families that learn and connect with Africa through our awareness events and programs help contribute supplies to schools, orphanages, and counseling centers in the region while also supporting our long-term sustainable development projects.
Education is key to making our world a better place. The Change Exchange works to inspire and foster change in the hearts of America’s youth while also changing the minds of Africa’s youth through educational initiatives, completing “the change exchange.”
Our Values
The Change Exchange operates on the principle that successful, prosperous nations are built through both the academic and emotional well-being of its citizens. We stand by the belief that a social/emotional outlet and curriculum, as well as an academic one, create mentally healthy and happy individuals. To help create an environment of peace and prosperity throughout a region once deeply affected by conflict, The Change Exchange continues to support these beliefs through our long-term and short-term development programs.
Our Goals
- To develop structurally sound and appropriately supplied primary, secondary, and trade schools.
- To develop and supply counseling and trauma centers for children who have lost parents and family members to the injustices of genocide and social poverty.
- To train local teachers and counselors in order to provide the best academic and emotional education to African children possible.
- To create opportunities for long-term sustainability through our income generation programs (Change the Soil, Change the Product, and Change a Mind) so that children in Africa are independent in fulfilling academic, emotional, and physical needs.
- To connect our community with African communities in order to create an interactive global community based on education, inspiration, and hope.
- To educate the children of America about social responsibility and global advocacy through our “Kids for Africa” and “Pencil Points” Programs
- To educate the American public about global issues surrounding the African region and advocacy for basic human rights though our “One Heart” quarterly newsletter and our “One Mind” yearly publication.
Andrea Hannah
Executive Director
Andrea began her mission to support the growth of children throughout Africa after spending a challenging summer teaching in Richards Bay, South Africa. Her passion and knowledge grew into The Change Exchange. She has since expanded her work to different parts of Africa and is currently focusing on East Africa. Andrea holds a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from Michigan State University. She is currently working on her Masters Degree in Social Work at Wayne State University. To learn more about Andrea and her mission, check out her personal blog at http://www.andeeoutofafrica.blogspot.com
