Trade-ing UP(Dates)
We are THRILLED to share our students progress with you. They have been working so hard the last year! Check out these pictures of our wonderful group of students.
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Trade-ing UP
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit working in Ghana to provide a holistic empowerment from the bottom up through vocational education and provide access to the certifications required to become an active member of the local workforce and economy. All of which will employ local teachers and laborers with a limited reliance on foreign intervention and aid.
HOW DO YOU MAKE AN IMPACT WITHOUT IMPACTING YOUR WALLET?
Amazon will take note that you would like to support Trade-ing Up. From that point forward every time you make a purchase, Amazon will donate 0.05% of your transaction on their behalf. SO, click on the button on your right and start shopping!
Our Mission
With comprehensive education, we aim to eliminate the local skills gap in the Northern Lake Volta region of Ghana. Our main objective is to empower the community through the technical education of young adults. Over time this will consequently reduce the need for international blind aid and the community will have literally built itself from the ground up. We wish to enhance and diversify the local economy by injecting more skilled labor and expanding current trade networks.
Our extended vision is to create a blueprint for relatively self-sufficient vocational schools in the developing world.
GHANA
Nothern Lake Volta Region
Our students live on the shores of Lake Volta. This location serves as a funnel for trade between the north and south of Ghana. This lake is dotted with communities unfortunately filled with unskilled workers awaiting an economic opportunity. Our students are currently learning in Makango.
We work with both male and female students (15yrs and up) who would fall into these categories:
1. Fall at or below the local poverty line
2. Would not have access to higher education due to location or financial circumstances
3. Has ambition for knowledge in the instructed trades
 Ghana Handbuilt House |  Bulls in Yeji |
|---|---|
 Yeji Town Sign |  Market Day |
 Bus Traveling Through |  Passenger Boat |
 Dressmakers |  Trade-ing Up Team |
 A look around town |  Masters carpentry shop |
Products With A Purpose
We've been working hard to make products out of Ghanaian fabric for you! Instead of charging our supporters a flat cost, we ask that with every product requested you provide a donation to Trade-ing Up of your chosen amount. This ensures 100% of your donation goes directly into our student's programs.
Right now we offer:
Lanyards, Wallets, Pencil bags/MakeUp Pouches, Smaller zipper pouches, and Shopping Bags made with recycled bike tubes and Ghanaian Fabric.
Everything is hand made so if you're interested in supporting our students in a creative way, fill out the form to the right and let us know what you would like!
Sponsor a Student
By Sponsoring Trade-ing Up Dressmaker students, you are pledging to support their costs for an entire year. Each student only needs $368. This money provides:
1. Their own sewing machine
2. Materials including fabric for practicing, selling, and uniforms
3. Meals, essential to provide financial security to students while in school
4. Business and English Classes and supplies
Where's the Money Go?
Lots of people wonder where the money goes when investing in a non-profit. How can you really be sure that your donation is being well spent? At Trade-ing Up, we lay out exactly where your donations have gone and where future donations will go. Take a look!
ALL PAID STAFF ARE LOCALLY HIRED
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 Trade-ing Up Team |  Francis |
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MEET THE TEAM
Our Background
Brandon McGee -- Executive Director
Engineering student at George Washington University and Paul Harris Fellow through Rotary International. Brandon originated the idea for the NGO after living in Zambia for four months and establishing a self-sustaining goat farm that supports a disabled community and also has experience managing field projects for non-profits. Brandon loves soccer and thinks we should all play more.
Kyle Wiese -- Director of Development
Currently living in Washington, DC, Kyle has experience with non-profit management, administration, and grant funding, as well as domestic and international volunteer experience. Currently pursuing a degree in Education, Kyle is passionate about providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth.
Francis -- Lead Advisor and Field Manager
Francis is from Ghana and has worked with Mercy Project, an NGO working on the issue of child trafficking along with other community development programs. Francis studied development planning at University and is currently working towards his Master's Degree abroad at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Portia -- In Country Manager
Portia Tawiah works with Mercy Project to eradicate Child Trafficking in Ghana. She has her First Degree in Social Work from KNUST. Portia is passionate about child and youth development, and empowerment of the poor and vulnerable in society.
Follow Our Progress By Subscribing to Our Emails!
609.661.2028 or 720.532.6269