A Record-Breaking Year: buildOn's 2023 Global Impact Report

2023 was a year of remarkable growth for us. We are thrilled to share the results of our collective efforts to break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy in our 2023 Global Impact Report. Together with our dedicated partners and supporters, we've made significant strides in constructing schools, uplifting communities, and increasing access to education across the planet.

Last year, we experienced unprecedented growth, constructing a record-breaking 275 schools and reaching over 67,000 students. These achievements were made possible through the dedication of our partners and communities, who contributed 559,976 days of volunteer work. Additionally, our Adult Literacy Programs educated over 11,000 adults, providing them with essential skills for a brighter future. Since our founding in 1991, buildOn has built 2,643 schools, impacting the lives of over 346,000 people.

From classrooms to communities, your support has transformed lives. We've built more schools than ever before, expanded our literacy programs, and deepened our partnerships. This report shines a spotlight on our achievements and the inspiring stories of those whose lives have been changed through education.

We’ll go over a few of the highlights, but for a more in-depth look, read the full 2023 Global Impact Report here.?

2023 in Review

2023 presented significant challenges for buildOn and the communities we serve. From political instability to economic hardships, our work was met with numerous obstacles. Despite these issues, our commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy remained steadfast, and the communities we work with refused to give up. That effort paid off in a big way: In 2023, buildOn broke ground on 275 schools, the most we have ever done in a single year.

These schools have provided 67,746 students with better learning conditions and the opportunity to flourish academically. Right now, 346,129 children, parents, and grandparents attend buildOn schools every day across the planet.

Educational Access for All

While these statistics are striking in their own right, it’s also important to focus on the real impact our work is having on individual lives. One such example is Djinessira Diakite, a young girl with a disability who was unable to attend school due to the inaccessible school building in her hometown of Fougani, Mali. Djinessira's parents didn't enroll her in school because there was no way for her to attend classes easily unless her classmates took her to school every day. The old school structure in Fougani also had an uneven floor that was littered with potholes, making it impossible for her to attend classes in her wheelchair.

Djinessira always dreamed of receiving an education, often asking her parents, "When will I get to attend school?" Because Fougani’s school was inaccessible, Djinessira was missing out on her chance to build a better life.?

That all changed last June, when buildOn worked alongside the entire community to construct a brand new school, contributing 1,999 volunteer work days towards the project. Unlike Fougani’s old school, the new building is equipped with a ramp and cement flooring, making it much more accessible for students like Djinessira with physical disabilities.

"All children have the right to have access to education without discrimination," says Djinessira's father, Yacouba Diakite. Today, his daughter finally has the same educational opportunities as other children in her community. This is the impact our work is having, multiplied across hundreds of communities and thousands of lives.?

From 25 to 2,500

2023 also marked a major milestone for us–our 2,500th school! In 1999, buildOn constructed our 25th school in the village of Dhadawar, Nepal. That school was one of nine schools that we built that year. In September 2023, we completed our 2,500th school in La Roche au Pont, Haiti. This time, the school was one of 275 other schools we built that year. It’s taken a lot of hard work, but our movement has grown over the past 20+ years and shows no signs of slowing down.

buildOn Treks

Treks are one of the foundational aspects of our work. buildOn Treks offer an unparalleled opportunity for our supporters to work alongside local partners to construct schools, immerse themselves in rich cultures, and witness the transformative power of education firsthand.

In 2023 alone, 343 passionate individuals joined our Treks, contributing to the construction of 30 schools across five countries. From students and families to corporate teams, our Trekkers embody the spirit of service and global citizenship. If you haven’t joined us on Trek yet, start your journey today! You won’t regret it.

Spreading Adult Literacy

In 2023, buildOn's Adult Literacy Program experienced remarkable growth, serving 11,980 individuals—a 58% increase over the previous year. By equipping adults with literacy, numeracy, and life skills, we empower them to become active leaders in their communities. Our participants have successfully launched small businesses, increased their crop yields, and gained the confidence to advocate for their families. These newfound skills have led to improved health outcomes, financial stability, and educational opportunities for their children.

We are particularly proud of the role our program plays in empowering women. Women make up 75% of our participants and have demonstrated exceptional resilience and leadership. Through micro-grants and business training, they have become economic pillars for their families and communities.

A Collaborative Effort

None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the generous support and enduring commitment of our donors, and the determination and hard work of our partner communities. The work we did in 2023 is a testament to the power of human resilience and the transformative impact of education. We are incredibly grateful to our partners, donors, and volunteers for their unwavering support as we push to make an even greater impact in 2024. Together, we are building a brighter future for generations to come.

Help us take our movement even further in 2024 by making a tax-deductible donation today to support our work.