what we do - school | We Are Family Foundation

Approximately 1 billion people in the world today are illiterate. That's 26 percent of the world's adult population! And 98 percent of non-literates live in developing nations.

To combat this issue, WAFF partnered with buildOn (formerly Building with Books) in 2003 to build the first We Are Family School in Mali, Africa. Now, with help from our generous donors, WAFF has funded 16 schools in largely illiterate communities – in Mali, Malawi and Nicaragua – that have already impacted more than 3,200 girls and boys. Many of these communities have never had a school, or are in desperate need for a new school, making the impact of each one enormous.

But these schools affect more than just the people from the villages. WAFF also sponsors small groups of diverse U.S. high school students to make the overseas trek to help build a new school, explore another culture, and contribute to the global community.

Steven Van Zandt

Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band

Steven Van Zandt funded the We Are Family Little Steven Van Zandt School in Siriba-Tiema, Mali, Africa, which was completed in June 2004. Since then, it has served more than 340 boys and girls, and has given these students a much deserved education.

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Ok, so you don't have $40,000 to build a school. But you have $5 in your pocket. Or maybe you found a $10 bill in your winter coat you haven't worn since last season (don't we all love when that happens?!). That pocket change can provide tremendous change to a non-literate community.

Your small donation could buy a pencil, a desk, a chalkboard, or a roof. Your small donation could completely change the world for many deserving children. The impact of each of these schools in enormous and will continue to grow exponentially as generation after generation receives an education.

Chip in for a community in desperate need of a school. Work together to fundraise and spread the word – and watch the money (and school) grow.

And when you donate, this will become your school – upon reaching $40,000 you will decide the location, name the school, receive updates and watch it affect thousands.

Click to ChipIn.

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