Akuraase Nonprofit

The World is our Village

o Akuraase is a nonprofit that serves as an incubator to help women in Ghana accomplish their dreams.

o “Give a woman a fish, she eats for a day; teach her to fish, she eats for a lifetime,” is the basic premise of providing incubation services.

o Since 2016, Akuraase has served women and their families is Eastern Ghana, with a focus on sustainability, educating the children through trauma-informed methods, and providing support to nonprofits in the region.

o Akuraase comprises retired professionals who care about the world and believe that helping change people’s lives can cause “ripples” that can lead to big changes in the world.

Our Process

At Akuraase, we believe in empowerment through partnership. Our process is built on the foundational principle: “Give a woman a fish, she eats for a day; teach her to fish, she eats for a lifetime.” This is the core of our incubator model, designed to turn dreams into sustainable realities.

Our approach is collaborative and personalized:

Listening & Ideation

We begin by meeting with Ghanaian women who have ideas about how to improve their lives and their communities. We provide a supportive space to help them fully flesh out these ideas.

Strategic Planning

Together, we develop concrete strategies to make their vision a reality. This involves a thorough assessment of what is needed and a step-by-step plan of how to meet those needs.

Capacity Building

We don't just provide funds; we build skills. We develop tailored training, identify key resources, and create funding strategies to ensure long-term success and independence.

Implementation & Support

As projects launch, Akuraase remains a dedicated partner, providing the support and advisory leadership needed to navigate challenges and achieve lasting impact.

Write the introduction here…

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Potential Projects

Akuraase serves as an incubator for initiatives that empower Ghanaian women and strengthen their communities. We provide funding and support services for a range of projects, focusing on building self-sufficiency from the ground up.

Our support is centered on projects that:

Strengthen Administrative Structures

We provide crucial support to Ghanaian nonprofits as they develop the administrative foundation needed for stable, long-term operation.

Incubate Community-Led Ideas

We offer incubator services and strategic planning to community organizations, helping them design and implement projects that directly address local needs.

Develop Sustainable Resources

We work with our partners to develop the resources—financial, educational, and material—that will assist in the growth and success of their organizations.

Advocate for Self-Sufficiency

We champion projects that pave the way for Ghanaian women and families to become economically independent and secure.

Write the introduction here…

Who Is Involved

The story of Akuraase is a story of connection, inspiration, and shared purpose.

Our Inspiration

Our journey began in 2016 when Joseph Asare, the founder of Asaasiam Vision International (AVI), came to Portland, Oregon. He was an international intern with a powerful mission: to better educate girls in his region of Ghana. Joseph’s life story is a testament to his charisma and unlimited potential. Orphaned at age 10, he was found by a Ghanaian Catholic Priest who mentored and supported him through his Ph.D. in business. With complete clarity, Joseph understands his life’s mission is to pay it forward and help his people. He came to Portland asking for help, and the people who would later form Akuraase were moved to answer his call.

Our Foundation

Following Joseph’s visit, one of our founding members traveled to Ghana to train teachers on the effects of child abuse on students. What they learned is that when you visit Africa, your life is changed forever. The experience of seeing Joseph’s work firsthand and understanding the immense potential of the Ghanaian people solidified our mission. It was out of these experiences that Akuraase was born.

Our Team

Today, the Akuraase board is composed of dedicated professionals, including three retired social service administrators, a retired accountant, and a retired educator. We all believe that the wonderful women in Ghana deserve support and a hand up. We can’t do everything, but we are passionate believers in the “Ripple Theory”—the idea that small, focused changes can ripple outward to create something much bigger.

Testimonials

"Joseph immediately endeared himself to all he met. His life story is amazing and reflects his charisma and unlimited potential. He was orphaned at the age of 10 and was left to die on the streets. But he was found by a Ghanaian Catholic Priest who mentored and supported him... Joseph is humble and understands with complete clarity that his life’s mission is to pay back and help his people."

Brandon Smith

crossfit professional

As our incubator projects grow and flourish, we look forward to sharing the powerful stories of the women and organizations we partner with. Please check back for updates on their incredible journeys.

Keep in Touch!

We believe that connection is at the heart of change. Whether you have a question, want to explore a partnership, or simply wish to learn more about our work, we would love to hear from you.

For all inquiries, please contact our board president

Don Didier Akuraase Board President

[email protected]

503 312 0760

2617 NE 9th, Portland,
Oregon 97212

All Posts
Fitness

Akuraase Nonprofit

The World is our Village

Our Process