FAQs

What is EASE?

EASE is an acronym for Expediting Access to Standard Education. The aim of the program is to aid in the education of needy children in Ghana by raising funds to sponsor such children through Junior Secondary School (JSS), which forms the core of basic education in Ghana and then tentative of the students performance, continue this sponsorship through Senior Secondary School (SSS). We believe that education holds the solution to most of the world's problems. Yet, many children are denied the opportunity due to financial constraints. We are convinced that a little effort on our part will go a long way to help.

What sort of Projects does EASE engage in?

Currently, EASE is primarily concerned with obtaining funds to sponsor students through JSS who would otherwise not be able to do so. Our projects for the near future include:

  • Provide funding for students to attend JSS who would otherwise not be able to do so
  • Help selected villages establish community libraries/stock existing ones
  • Increase African Awareness of children in Cambridge Schools by arranging sessions on various African countries.
  • Expand our sponsorship in 2nd cycle-Senior Secondary School level(SSS Sponsorhip Project) to support motivated students from the JSS Sponsorship Project in furthering their education.
  • To expand Ease operations at least one more African Country and expand management to involve at least one more School in the US.

How can I help/join?

You can help in kind or in cash.

  • Email ease-exec@mit.edu if you'd like to join EASE.
  • Click here for information on how to donate money.
  • Click here for a general overview of our projects
  • You may also read our proposal

How much is it to sponsor a child? & How far can my donations go?

The cost of JSS recently decreased since the Ghanaian government began to fully subsidize JSS education. Since the academic year of 2008, the cost of JSS education dropped to about $15/year. This amount takes care of only books. EASE currently uses an estimate of $20/year per child to account for currency and cost fluctuations.

  • $20: can keep a child in JSS for 1 year
  • $40: can keep a child in JSS for 2 years
  • $60: is enough for an entire JSS education

As of the academic year 2008. EASE was sponsoring 1 child in the Senior Secondary Eductaion (SSS) level. The approximate amount to sponnsor a child through SSS was and is approximately $150 per year inclusive of fees and books.

  • $150: can keep a child in SSS for 1 year
  • $300: can keep a child in SSS for 2 years
  • $450: is enough for an entire SSS education

Indeed, no donation is too small!

What is EASE's operation overhead?

The organizers of EASE have taken pains to structure the program so that we operate with as little overhead as possible. This minimal overhead is paid for by MIT. All EASE workers are 100% volunteers. So your money goes straight to the program it was donated for. EASE does not invest donations in non-risk-free ventures.

Who qualifies for sponsorship?

Potential beneficiaries of EASE must be enrolled in public schools, have demonstrable need and a good attendance record. Whereas continued sponsorship is not determined by academic performance, EASE may be forced to withdraw support in cases of excessive absenteeism.

Will the parents of the child have any responsibility towards his/her education?

Definitely! EASE is only responsible for pre-set fees and books. Parents will be responsible for uniforms, unanticipated fees and any extra books needed by the child beyond that paid for by EASE.

Will I get to know the child I'm sponsoring?

Yes, if you want to. EASE offers the EASE-Adopt sponsoring option. This option of funding offers the opportunity for donors to relate to the sponsored child in a foster-parent context. The minimum requirement is to pay $90 for the entire JSS education of the child, but sponsors can choose to go beyond this requirement. We anticipate that EASE-Adopt will be especially rewarding for donors with young children due to the potential for cultural enrichment.

Is EASE in partnership with any established NPO?

EASE is currently working with EASE-Ghana, an official NPO set up for the purposes of executing EASE projects in Ghana.

How do I know EASE is genuine? Who is involved?

EASE is a recognized MIT student group. EASE is also backed by the MIT Public Service Center. You may visit them at http://web.mit.edu/mitpsc/ for more information.

Click here for info about the current executive.

Does EASE have any events coming up soon?

Click here for upcoming events

Where can I learn more about EASE?

email:ease-exec@mit.edu