Join our Board of Directors

“Building Schools – Shaping Futures”

Schools of Dreams is a registered Canadian charitable organization based in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area.  Our mission is to build or renovate schools in rural villages of Ghana, West Africa, in partnership with the government of Ghana. By providing a safe and proper learning environment, we help shape and brighten the future of many children. 

Schools of Dreams was created as a passion project by the late Dora Anie (1949 – 2019) after visiting her home village of Mepom, Ghana. The poor condition of the schools and lack of classrooms for preschool and kindergarten children sparked Dora’s dream to help the children access public education in safe spaces. What began as one project supported by Dora’s church congregation has grown into a not-for-profit organization with a dedicated Board of Directors, volunteers and supportive community partners.

Since inception, all fundraising, administration and project work in Canada has been done by volunteers. The organization is now led by an enthusiastic Board of Directors. To date, a new building has been constructed in Mepom that houses two junior and two senior kindergarten classrooms; this was followed by the construction of a nursery and kitchen. A school building project is currently nearing completion in Akuffokrom and we are now embarking on the selection of a new location for our next construction project in 2021.

There remain countless communities with no schools, unsafe schools or makeshift structures being used for teaching that need to be replaced.

Opportunities

Board Member/Marketing & Communications Lead

An opportunity exists on our Board of Directors for a Marketing & Communications Lead (M&CL). The M&CL plays an important role in helping to build and strengthen relationships with our donors, volunteers, community and other key stakeholders. Not only with the Lead oversee the creation and updating of a marketing and communications plan that is  aligned with the organizational strategic plan, they will “tell our story” by creating initiatives and campaigns that use powerful messaging and communications channels that reach and engage current and potential audiences. They will oversee the creation of the Schools of Dreams brand and collateral, website content, social media imagery and ensure that our brand identity is maintained.  The M&CL will chair the Marketing and Communications Committee of the Board.

Board Standing Committee Members 

Schools of Dreams has recently developed its Board Structure and has created a number of Standing Committees of the Board.  As the organization transitions from a Founding Board to a Governing Board, the Standing Committees will help the Board become more effective in its functioning through committee members’ knowledge, skills and expertise.

We are seeking members who can bring legal, financial, marketing/communication, and/or fundraising expertise to the following Board Standing Committees:

  • Governance & Human Resources Committee
  • Finance & Audit Committee
  • Fundraising & Development Committee
  • Marketing & Communications Committee

Board Member Commitment

Board Members serve a term of 3 years and may be reappointed for a further 3 years. In addition to their role on the Board, members may also serve on a Standing Committee or a Task Force that may be established from time-to-time. 

Board meetings occur monthly for 2 hours. Meetings are typically held in Hamilton; however, at this time, meetings take place via Zoom. It is anticipated that a minimum of 20 hours/month will be required for Board meetings and Board-related work.

Schools of Dreams does not have paid staff; the Board of Directors and its Committees, therefore, are a very “hands-on” team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about our mission.  

These positions are best suited to individuals who reside in Southern Ontario.

Expressions of Interest in Joining Our Board or a Standing Committee 

Please submit your expression of interest to the attention of Franca Hoda at: franca.hoda@schoolsofdreams.com

Registered Charitable Number 75775 0898 RR0001
P.O. Box 73055 – Limeridge Mall – Hamilton, Ontario L9A 5H7
289-408-8299 – info@schoolsofdreams.com